Dorothy M. Nowak

Dorothy M. Nowak, 82 of Gaylord, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2019 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Born and raised on the family farm in Elmira on May 23, 1937, she was the daughter of Walter and Mary (Fiel) Francis.  She attended Elmira School through the 8th grade before going to St. Mary School in Gaylord, graduating in 1955.

On September 8, 1956 Dorothy married Richard J. Nowak at St. Thomas Church in Elmira.  After their marriage, they moved to Gaylord.

For 54 years Dorothy worked at Styles Real Estate in Gaylord.  She enjoyed crocheting and camping, and she was a member of Gaylord T.O.P.S.  In retirement she and Richard enjoyed spending winters in Eustis, Florida and the several cruises they went on together.

Dorothy was a parishioner at Holy Redeemer Church in Vanderbilt.  She was a longtime member of the Daughters of Isabella where she was a past regent, treasurer and secretary.  For many years she enjoyed making baptismal bibs for St. Mary Cathedral.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, on January 28, 2016.  Surviving are her children, Ken Nowak of Tulsa, OK, Sue (Keith) Sides of Gaylord, Pat Nowak of Gaylord and Kelly (Jeff) Fox of Gaylord; 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; a brother, Leo (Eleanor) Francis of Vanderbilt and 5 nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Nowak; a son-in-law, Paul Pelach and a grandson, Ben Sides.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, August 30, 2019 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Vanderbilt where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com