John Michael Nowak, 79, of Elkhart, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Esther’s House in Elkhart. He was born in Coldwater, MI on April 22, 1947, to the late Joseph John and Sarah Belle (Kanouse) Nowak.

John is survived by his wife of 30 years, Judith “Judy” Nowak; stepdaughter, Kim (Dennis) Carroll and their boys Evan and Logan; stepdaughter, Elizabeth (Scott) Vigue and her children; sister, Peg Hull; sisters-in-laws, Evelyn Rinehart, Mary (Rollie) Enfield, Judi Cudowski; brother-in-law, Joseph (Jean) Cudowski; several nieces and nephews; and his faithful beagle companion, Lily. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Floyd “Sonny” Rinehart; sister, Jo Anne Williams; and brother-in-law, Michael Cudowski.

Visitation will take place on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. John’s service will begin at noon on Monday with his nephew, Rev. Randall Rinehart, officiating. Following the service, a graveside service will take place at St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Elkhart where military honors will be rendered.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Riverside Village and Esther’s House for taking care of John during his final days. Memorial donations may go to the Esther’s House c/o Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Pl, Mishawaka, IN 46545

John served proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. He was a hardworking man who worked for Ross Labs in Sturgis, MI for many years. John was raised Catholic and was a part of the Knights of Columbus. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling with his family and cheering on his favorite team, Notre Dame.

John was a fun loving and easy-going man who enjoyed being a grandfather. Being with his grandsons meant the world to him. John will be dearly missed by his loving family and many friends.