James "Jim" L. Nowak

James "Jim" L. Nowak of Osceola died Friday, July 2, 2021 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Silver Creek. Visitation is on Tuesday from 5-7 pm at St. Lawrence Church with a Vigil service to follow at 7:00 pm. Interment is in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Military Honors by Silver Creek American Legion Post #263.

James Nowak was born June 30, 1936 in Nance County to Louis and Elizabeth (Malek) Nowak. He grew up in rural Nance County where he attended school. Jim graduated from Fullerton High School in 1953. Jim farmed with his father and worked for Wemhoff Irrigation. He was drafted into the Armed Forces in January of 1957. He served in the US Army until being Honorably Discharged in 1958. Jim married Joan Stanczyk on June 25, 1960 at St. Mary's-Pilzno in rural Polk County. He continued farming and went to work for Continental Can Company in Omaha from 1959-1970. Jim left there and returned to Polk County to continue his lifelong occupation of farming. Jim was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church for many years and served as an usher. He was also a member of the Silver Creek American Legion where he was past commander and served on the Color Guard . Jim enjoyed hunting, polka dancing, playing pool, working with cattle and horses, westerns, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.

Jim is survived by:
Wife Joan Nowak of Osceola
Daughter Linda (Clifford) Yrkoski of Clarks
Son Dale Nowak of Osceola
Daughter Janet (Mark) Gabel of Osceola
5 Grandchildren: Kyle Yrkoski, Jonella (John) Wonka, Brandon (fiance' Jessica Stoltz) Gabel, Holden Gabel, and Delsey Yrkoski
2 Great Grandchildren: John James Wonka and Jemma Wonka
Sister Rose Skocz of Papillion
Sister Rita Shotkoski of Fullerton
Sister Fran Hupp of Norfolk
Sister Janice Etheridge of Chicago
Sister-in-law Mary Lou (Bob) Matison of Chandler, AZ

He is preceded in death by:
Parents Louis and Elizabeth Nowak
Sister Pat Songster