June 16, 1927 — Sept. 13, 2014

Edmund J. Nowak, 87, of Niles, Michigan, formerly of South Bend, Indiana passed away at 4:35 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 in his home.

Edmund was born on June 16, 1927, in South Bend to Vitalis and Maryann (Wojciechowska) Nowak.

At the age of 17 he wanted to serve his country and joined the Navy. He served as a Seaman Second Class during WWII and received a Victory Ribbon and WW.II American Area Ribbon. After his honorable discharge he wanted to begin his working career and never returned to finish high school, which always weighed heavy on his mind, so at the age of 70 he returned to high school and acquired his high school diploma and was validated.

His first job was at a box factory at the age of 14. He was employed by Singers for four years until Singers relocated to California. During the transition he took a job as a diesel mechanic and prison guard to support his family, until he landed a good job at White Farm Equipment as a welder and advanced to supervisor there.

After White Farm’s untimely closure, he took a full time position as head custodian at Holy Family Parish, where he and his wife befriended his best friend, Monsignor Bernard Galic. He was finally able to retire after a long journey of jobs.

On Jan. 14, 1950, at St. Stanislaus Church, Michigan City, Indiana, he married Dolores A. Hayman, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Diane (Ryan) Hurlbutt of Niles, Michigan, Michele (Penny) Nowak of South Bend, Indiana and Kurt (Beverly) Nowak of South Bend, Indiana; four grandchildren, Bryan (Angie) Hurlbutt, Michael (Marci) Hurlbutt, Erin (Michael) Govier, and Matthew (Karsten) Nowak; one step-grandchild, Angela Allen; eight great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two children, Michael A. Nowak and Paul J. Nowak; three sisters and one brother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014 in Holy Family Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive where a rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Friends may also call from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday in the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the family. Edmund was a lifelong member of the American Legion Pulaski Post #357.

He was proud to be on the dance floor showing off his wife and enjoyed the evening with his friends the “unholy” six. He enjoyed woodworking in his shangrila. His pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and telling everyone who would listen of their newest escapades. He was passionate about his religion and prayed his family would walk with God.