Marian Nowak

1924 - 2016

Nowak, Marian

Marian E. Nowak, 92, of Wausau died Wednesday, December 14 at Wausau Manor Nursing Home.

She was born on July 3, 1924 in Halder, Wisconsin and attended St. Patrick's School and Mosinee High School. After graduation she moved to Milwaukee to attend beauty school. Later, while working in Wausau, she met her future husband, Joseph, at Lou's Lunch. They married in 1947 and raised four children during their sixty-seven year marriage.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, who passed away July 25, 2015. Also, preceded in death by her parents Frank and Margaret (Kennedy) Staeck, siblings Margaret Staeck, Ellen (Ray) Frederick, Mabel (Joe) Skarwecki, Roy (Ida) Staeck, Frank (Mary) Staeck, Robert (Kay) Staeck.

She is survived by a sister, Agnes (Roman) Weigel of Marshfield. Children, Sally (Don) Bernarde, Susan (Roger) Aho and Joseph Nowak all of Wausau. Tom (Catherine) Nowak, Westboro MA. Grandchildren, Aaron (Michelle) Aho, Wausau, Kristin (Bradley) Schmalzer, Charleston, West Virginia, Jessica (Jay) Madsen, Lafayette, CA, Emily (Dave) Morrison, Millis, MA. and Adam Nowak, Westboro, MA. Marian was also proud of her three great-grandchildren, Laurel and Violet Schmalzer and Jack Madsen.

Marian loved doing crossword puzzles, taking walks in Marathon Park, gardening, and watching 48 Hour Mysteries on Saturday nights. She was a master grocery shopper and made friendships with employees wherever she shopped. An empty cookie jar was her pet peeve and it is at this time of year that we miss the peppernuts, her signature Christmas cookie. Family gatherings became feasts because of her generosity and passion.

Marian had a strong Catholic faith, loved the rosary and started her days with a cup of coffee, a meditation or prayer book and usually a cat named Molly crawling on her shoulders. Her prayer life was one of simple trust, acceptance and surrender. "Let go and let God" was one of her favorite sayings. Her faith was the solid rock that enabled her to move through periods of loss and suffering with grace and optimism. For her there was always a reason to hope that the next day would be better. Our problems seemed to dissolve when they were shared with her. While we already miss her humor and gentleness, we are grateful for the stories and words shared even in her last weeks.

Her last days of comfort were made possible by the caring people of Wausau Manor, especially Sarah P., Adam and Brenda. Gratitude also to the hospice workers and the chaplain who helped with her transition. Thank you also to Father Bob and Father Dan for the weekly visits. A special thank you to Father Al Burkhardt for his compassionate and healing presence.

Services will be December 21, 2016 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Wausau. Visitation will be from 10:00 until the 11:30 funeral service. Father Burkhardt will officiate.

A meal will follow the service. Marian will be entombed at Holy Angels Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be made to The Warming Center, a part of Catholic Charities.