Joseph A. Nowak, 60, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, proud father, cherished brother, and trusted friend, Joe lived a life driven by faith, kindness, and service to others.

Born on June 7, 1966 in Saginaw, MI, Joe dedicated his life to following Christ and sharing His love through both word and example. He started a cabinetry business with his wife, Tracey, in 1995 in Midland, MI, and later expanded the business to Elk Rapids, MI in 2006. He was a talented craftsman and designer who loved working with his clients to create beautiful spaces in their homes.

He loved his family dearly and enjoyed visiting, traveling, and spending quality time with them. He was requested to officiate several weddings for his friends and family, but always spoke highly of the honor of marrying both of his daughters, Alex and Kenzie to their husbands in 2024 and 2025. He took pride in organizing an annual “Nowak Family Reunion” during Elk Rapids Harbor Days for the last 19 years, where families came from all over Michigan to spend time with each other. He scheduled weekly phone calls to keep in touch with both of his daughters, and played pool with his son once a week, prioritizing and cherishing the time with each of his children, even from states away. He enjoyed date nights with his wife, and loved taking a weekend away to explore charming towns all over the state.

Joe loved being outdoors, was an avid hunter, and enjoyed planting crops and cultivating the land for wildlife to pass through his properties. He always had an ongoing project, working with his hands or heavy machinery, with the accompaniment of his handyman son, Zach.

He was an active member of New Hope Community Church in Williamsburg, MI for many years, serving on the security team, leading multiple small groups, and finding great joy in worship, prayer, and fellowship. He was a founding member of the “777” group; a group of prayer warriors that began with 7 men who met 7 days a week at 7pm to lift each other up and pray together. This group was of utmost importance in his life for almost 7 years and is full of amazing men he was able to confide in, celebrate with, and support one another through trials and tribulations. His unwavering trust in God guided him through life's joys and challenges, and he shared for many years how blessed he was to be surrounded by such incredible people in the church.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Tracey Nowak; his children, Alexandra Nowak (Ryan), Mackenzie Martin (Connor), and Zachary Nowak; his siblings, Yvonne Bird (Ed), Wally Nowak (Lisa), Joanne Parent (Scott), Jeanne Gillisse (and the late, Robert), and Anna Boman (Phil), in-laws, Dennis and Margery Swan, siblings-in-law, Cheryl Shier (Kelly), and Teri Leigeb (Marvin), along with extended family and friends who were able to share special moments and many laughs over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Nowak and Marian (Trepkowski) Nowak, and his brother, David Nowak (Linda).

While his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and take comfort in the words of scripture: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23). Joe's legacy of faith, compassion, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. He found comfort in his favorite verses: John 3:16, James 4:7, and 2 Corinthians 4:1-2.

Joe’s family would like to invite friends and family to celebrate the incredible life he lived. A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 3pm to 5pm at New Hope Community Church, located at 5100 Bethesda Ct, Williamsburg, MI 49690. The funeral service will take place on Monday, June 15, 2026, with a visitation starting at 12pm and the funeral beginning at 1pm at New Hope Community Church. Immediately following the funeral, a graveside service will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the church.

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