John Martin Nowak, age 92, lifelong resident of Duluth, passed away January 16, 2024. John was born on April 9, 1931, in Duluth, Minnesota to Louis and Nellie (Peloquin) Nowak. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1950 and was a member of the Brothers of Holy Cross from 1950-1951.

John served his country in the Army from 1952-1954, stationed in Camp Roeder, Salzburg, Austria. He also served on the battalion ski team. John worked at the Duluth Air Base in accounting and control for 23 years, retiring in 1978. Later, John worked at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in facility maintenance.

John was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Anthony’s and St. Mary Star of the Sea.

John was a spiritual man, known as gentle and kind. He was from a large family of nine boys. He always had an open door to his cabin on Lake Nichols, where he hosted gatherings of family and friends. John wholeheartedly enjoyed being outdoors. He had a close group of friends he enjoyed hunting and fishing with.

John is preceded in death by his parents; and six brothers, Victor, Leonard, Francis, Vincent, Eugene and Joseph. He is survived by brothers, Gerald Nowak of Duluth and Lawrence (Terri) Nowak of Torrance, CA; many nieces and nephews and their children. The family is grateful to Patrick Menor for his friendship and caregiving of John.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 26 9:00 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea, 325 E. 3rd St, Duluth, followed by Rosary at 9:45 and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Tom Foster officiating. Interment is at Calvary Cemetery in Duluth. To sign the online guestbook visit; dfhduluth.com