David Michael Nowak, 40, went to be with our Lord and Savior on November 2, 2021 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City with his wife, mother, and siblings by his side.

Dave was born to Paul and Patti Nowak in Grand Rapids, MI on January 27, 1981. As a young child, his family moved to Traverse City, MI where he spent the rest of his life. Throughout his childhood, Dave loved all forms of carpentry. He enjoyed tinkering and building with his grandpa, and entered the construction trades during high school. He graduated from Traverse City West Senior High in 1999, and in 2000, he began working for MAC Custom Homes, where he spent the rest of his career. He was a talented craftsman and a detailed perfectionist who took pride in his work. He worked incredibly hard to provide for his family and ensure they were taken care of beyond his passing.

Dave met Renee (Halloway) while they both worked at the DairyVille in Traverse City, and they have their boss to thank for sending them on their first date. They were married on October 9, 2004. They were both followers of Christ before meeting, but throughout their relationship, they grew in their faith together. They found their church home in West Side Community Church. They spent their years together building a family and enjoying life's simple pleasures, with a little traveling sprinkled in.

Together, they raised three children: Leland (9), Alden (8), and Olivia (4). He loved to build Legos with them and cared about what was important to them, taking interest in their interests. He was their superhero; the strongest man in the world, who always kept them safe, and could fix anything. Renee often called him Safety Dad.

He was the most neat, tidy, and organized person. He had a place for everything, and preferred everything in its place. He was always thinking ahead and always prepared. Upon meeting him, many would assume that he was a sports fan, based on his size, but he actually had no interest in sports. His passions included Ford trucks, quality tools, target shooting, researching everything, politics, and reading the news.

To most people, Dave was a quiet, introverted man, but those who knew him well had the privilege of experiencing his quick wit and sarcastic humor. He was the funniest person in every room. Although he wasn't always comfortable in social situations, he enjoyed connecting with others in conversation.

Dave was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father. He is survived by his wife, children, mother, siblings: Laura (Jabin) Reinhold, April (Joel) Steinberg, and Jon (Danielle) Nowak, and many nieces and nephews. He loved his family so much.

We have comfort in knowing that Dave is free from all pain and illness in Heaven. While we will always wish he could be here with us, we look forward to reuniting with him someday. Until then, we will miss him every moment.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will take place on Tuesday, November 9 at 2:00pm at West Side Community Church. Visitation with Dave's family will begin two hours prior.

The family is grateful for the support of the community during this time. We are humbled by the kindness and generosity of friends and strangers alike.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a scholarship fund for the Nowak children. Payable to: Raymond James (memo: Nowak Memorial) Mail to: Nowak Memorial c/o MAC Custom Homes, 3434 Veterans Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684.