Frank Nowakowski, 86, of Clarinda, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 23, 2025 at Eiler Senior Living, Clarinda, Iowa.
Francis ‘Frank’ Stephen Nowakowski was born on August 30, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the only child born to Frank and Sophie Catherine (Velba) Nowakowski. Frank grew up in Chicago and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, of which he remained faithful to and tried sharing that passion with his children, succeeding only with Dave. His education was through the catholic schools in Chicago and Frank attended an all-boys school, graduating in 1956.
Frank was united in marriage to Bernadette ‘Dolly’ Helen Knych on October 17, 1959, at the St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois. They were blessed with five children, Deborah, Daniel, David, Dawn and Dana.
It was in 1962 that Frank and Dolly moved their family to Clarinda where Frank began his employment with the Poole Brothers, later known as the Clarinda Company. The skills Frank acquired through his positions with the Clarinda Company were evident in his tedious proofing and attention to details. His deck at his home received the same attention and was meticulous and well-manicured. Hobbies that Frank enjoyed in his younger years were playing fast pitch softball and tennis. In 2002, Frank retired and was able to enjoy bowling and golfing more frequently.
Frank and Dolly’s marriage was filled with many joys and adventures through the years. They were a great pair for polka dancing and both were avid bowlers. They took most pride in following their children and grandchildren to their many sporting events and would cheer them on. While residing in Clarinda, Frank was active with the Clarinda Fire Department for over 10 years as well as an active member of the St. Clare Catholic Church. He was a long-time lector and Eucharistic minister and was on the Parish Council as the Treasurer.
Preceding Frank in death were his parents Frank and Sophie Nowakowski, parents-in-law John and Stephanie Knych; brother-in-law John Knych and wife Carol and sister-in-law Linda Knych.
Left to cherish Frank’s memory are his children, Deborah (Mark) Fisher of Nixa, Missouri, Daniel (Dana J.) Nowakowski of Kansas City, Missouri, David Nowakowski of Clarinda, Dawn Marro (Brett Bohlman) of Janesville, Wisconsin and Dana (Steve) King of St. Louis, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Trevyor (Kortney) Fisher, Ashley Duneske, Benjamin (Ashlee) Fisher, Samantha (Patrick) Winkler, Becca (Zachariah) Salamone, Olivia (fiancé Cole Miller) Nowakowski, Ryan Marro, Alexander (Kelsey) Marro, Hunter King, Andrew King and Kaitlyn King; nine great grandchildren, Kinley, Blakely, Landree, Graham, Brooks, Theodore, Iris, Lily and Louretta; sister-in-law, Marlene (Frank) Zajack; nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
Mass of Christian Burial Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025 at the St. Clare Catholic Church in Clarinda, Iowa with Father Sylvester Okoh officiating. Burial will be at the Clarinda Cemetery. Visitation with the family greeting friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7: 00 p.m. Thursday at Nodaway Valley Funeral Home, Clarinda, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Clarinda Fire Department, Cardinal Junior Bowling or the St. Clare Catholic Church in Clarinda. Arrangements were entrusted to the Nodaway Valley Funeral Home of Clarinda.
