Marlene Fay Nowak

Nowak, Marlene Fay

Marlene Fay Nowak, 73, of Benzonia, died at her home surrounded by her family on August 28, 2015, after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer.

Marlene was born November 1, 1941, in Wausau, WI, to Worth and Veronica N. (Joss) Nelson. At the age of two, her father died in a tragic work accident. Her mother later remarried Harry J. Trierweiler and Marlene became the youngest of 10 siblings. She graduated from Wausau High School in 1960. On September 30, 1961, she married her high school sweetheart Michael John Nowak. Together they ventured hand in hand into 54 years of marriage, raising three remarkable children. In 1973, they moved their young family from "home" in Wausau, WI to "home" in Benzonia, MI.

She was unwavering in her faith in God, her dedication and devotion to her family and trustworthiness to her friends. Possessing a true servant's heart, she faithfully cared for all through her delicious cooking and baking from scratch, which she found tremendous enjoyment. She was blessed with the skillful talents of sewing and quilting blankets.

Marlene loved to play cards, mostly winning and watching football. She was a loyal "Cheese-Head" always rooting for her beloved Green Bay Packers. In 2004, Marlene retired from the Benzie Central Schools as a cafeteria cook after 25 years of service.

Marlene is survived by her soul mate and loving husband, Michael J. Nowak and their children, Mark (Kimberly) Nowak, Michelle "Shelly" (Clem) Thompson and Heath (Jennifer) Nowak; her cherished grandchildren, Whitney (Steven) Gibbs, Carson Nowak, Caleb Nowak, Clement Thompson; step-grandchildren, Ryan (Zoey Bascom) Ireton and Joshua (Ashley) Ireton; and her great- granddaughter, Delaney Ireton, who arrived in June and who bestowed to Marlene added joy and happiness throughout these last couple months.

Marlene also leaves behind brothers, Dennis (Norma) Nelson, Harry "Jr" Trierweiler; sisters, Rosemary Flech, Margaret (Eugene) Fochs; brother-in-law, Eugene Schedeler; sisters-in-law, Ruth Trierweiler, Laurie (David) Nieuwenhuis and Sue (Terry) Bohm; several loved nieces, nephews and many great friends whom she had always found happiness in their presence.

She will be greeted at heaven's gates by her parents; siblings, Shirley Schedeler, Gordon "Putt" Nelson, Douglas Nelson, Oliver "Billy" Trierweiler and Catherine Roeske.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 4, at the Eden Bible Church in Beulah, MI. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has chosen contributions be directed to Munson Hospice. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Service in Benzonia & Frankfort.

Her family will greatly miss her but take comfort in knowing she will be forever watching over them from afar. When you are born, you cry, and the world rejoices. When you die, you rejoice, and the world cries.