Robert F. Nowak

Robert F. Nowak, 94 of Appleton WI, and later Roanoke VA, died January 26, 2026.  He was born to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Herres) Nowak and graduated from Appleton Senior High, Class of “49”.  Bob enjoyed many years of ski jumping, downhill skiing, baseball, basketball and fishing.  After retiring he and his wife Germaine enjoyed many years of getting together for lunch with the “Lunch Bunch” – Ev and Ralph Lex, Jerry “Skip” and Ellie Van Berkel, Sis Asman, Ray and Carol Kaufman, and Ray and Dawn Yohr.

Bob made a career of the military serving in the Air Force for 23 years, returning to Appleton in 1975.  He was awarded numerous medals including the Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  Bob retired from his second career at Central Paper in 1991.

Robert is survived by his son, James Nowak, and daughter-in-law Teresa of Roanoke VA, and his grandson Benjamin Nowak, and his wife Katharine of Glen Allen VA.

He is also survived by his sister Marilyn Heimmermann of Roswell NM, his brother Stan (Betty) Nowak of Florence WI, brother-in-law Larry (Patti) Ziebell of Embarrass WI, brother-in-law Larry (Lynn) Fryfogle of Appleton WI, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Germaine.  Bob and Gerry were married for 56 years and lived in California, Michigan, England, Texas, Alaska, and Kansas during Bob’s years in the Air Force.   Bob later married Eleanore Van Berkel and they were happily married for 13 years until her passing in 2022.

Bob was also preceded in death by sisters Leona (Jack) Watson, Bernadine (Gordy) Natrop, Lucille (Jerry) Luedtke, Sylvia (Jim) Nichols, brother Frank C. (Marilyn) Nowak, brother-in-law Charles Heimmermann, sister-in-law Adeline (Jerry) Schalk, brother-in-law Kenneth (Judi) Ziebell, and sister-in-law Patricia Ziebell.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers who helped care for Bob after he moved to Virginia.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Appleton WI. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to ThedaCare Family of Foundations in support of cancer care (formerly the Martha Siekman Cancer Center, Appleton) are appreciated.

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