Mark Joseph Nowak, 55, passed away after battling a neurological infection for almost two years. Mark was born in Green Bay on November 17, 1967 to Howie and Joy (Thomson) Nowak.

Mark graduated from Abbot Pennings High School and UW-Whitewater. He was a true entrepreneur, selling nightcrawlers and golf balls at age 8, to owning his own glass business, The I.G. Shop.

Born opening weekend of deer hunting, Mark followed in his Grandpa Joe's footsteps with his love of hunting, fishing and being in the woods. He then followed in his Dad's footsteps with his love of bowling and golf. Mark was inducted into the Green Bay Bowling Hall of Fame in 2016 and had three holes-in-one. Just weeks before his hospitalization, he won a golf tournament with his best friend, Jeff.

Mark is survived by his three children, Emma (Bryan) Polarek, Erika (Josh Myers) Nowak and Luke Nowak; mother, Joy Nowak; sisters, Cindy (Mike) Wagner and Lori (Mike) McNerney; as well as his ex-wife, Annjie, many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

He is further survived by his aunts and uncles, Bill (Nancy) Nowak, Chet Nowak (who Mark was especially close to), Dick (Julie) Thomson, Julie (Mike) Willems, Jeff Thomson, Marty (Di) Thomson and Kay Thomson.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Howie; grandparents, Bill and Cecelia Nowak and Joe and Dorothy Thomson; Godparents, Tom and Nancy Thomson; and cousin, Jeff.

Family and friends may visit at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Visitation will continue at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1307 Lourdes Avenue, De Pere, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. James Baraniak, O.Praem. officiating. Entombment will take place at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum at a later date.

The Nowak family would like to extend special thanks to Jeff and Nina Graunke, K.J. and Heather Purcell, and Randy and Amy Karnz, as well as other lifelong friends who have shown support. They would also like to thank the staffs at St. Vincent Hospital, Bellin Hospital, The Bay at Suring and Unity Hospice for their exceptional care for Mark during his health battles.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for Mark.

Life Never Ends, Love Never Dies. Rest in peace, Mark. We love you!