Ron Nowak

A warm and loving man, Ronald Nowak meant the world to his family and friends. He was a man of many interests through the years, yet there was nothing that was more important to him than spending time with his family and friends. Ron inspired us with his courage and his zest for life, even when the road before him was not an easy one. Taken from those he loved much too soon, he will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

The decade of the sixties was a colorful time in America as both civil rights and women’s rights often topped the news of the day while the Vietnam War continued to divide us. As a nation we mourned the loss of President John F. Kennedy, which rocked us to our core, while Barbie dolls, G.I. Joe, and slot cars became the desire of the nation’s youth from coast to coast. Amidst this vibrant time was a year that brought great celebration to one bustling family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on February 26, 1965. Baby Ronald was the youngest of nine children born to his parents, Edward and Lorraine (Rybacki) Nowak, and was raised in the family home on Watson Street, SW alongside his older siblings, Michael, Linda, Carol, David, Eddie, John, Tom, and Dan.

In many ways Ron, as he was most often known, experienced a childhood that was rather typical for the young people of his generation. As a student he attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and later went on to Union High School. Ron always loved reading and developed a love for Stephen King novels. Although he didn’t graduate with his class, Ron was proud to earn his GED a few years ago.

After high school Ron worked for DLP Injection Molding Company, and he later took a job at Rockford Fosgate, a speaker manufacturing company. While there he worked as a Hi-Lo operator and also as a supervisor. For a time Ron additionally hosted a public access radio show, which encouraged people to call in to share their thoughts and opinions. His most exciting job was working as a Disc Jocky at ZRock radio station where he was known as "Dangerous Dave Thunder", DDT.

One of Ron's favorite holidays was Halloween. he would dress in a costume, go all out decorating the front yard and hand out candy to the the trick-or-treaters.

With his free time Ron kept busy in a variety of ways. He was an avid Facebook fan, often playing FarmVille, and through the number of hours he logged he built up quite an impressive farm. Ron enjoyed watching television and was a fan of classic shows like Leave It to Beaver, Mayberry R.F.D., and My Three Sons. He also enjoyed various comedy shows and loved watching horror movies on television when time allowed. When it came to his musical taste Ron loved all kind of music and had a large collection of albums. As someone who enjoyed spending time outside he had a passion for vegetable and flower gardening.

Life was not without times of great trial for Ron. He was deeply saddened by the deaths of some of his dear family members including his brother David in 1963, his father in 1982, and his brother Eddie in 1985 and his niece Melanie Yost in 2007. With what could have been a simple sore throat, Ron went to the doctor last spring only to reveal that he was actually afflicted with cancer in his lymph nodes. During the weeks and months that followed he bravely underwent both chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed by surgery. Ron and his loved ones were thrilled when he was declared to be cancer free on October 3, 2011, and he was so proud of the certificate he was given that announced this great news. It was just a couple of weeks ago that it was discovered that the cancer had returned, and there was little that could be done. Shortly thereafter Ron drew his last breath surrounded by his loving family at his home.

Known for his fun-loving spirit and kindhearted touch, he had a great love of animals. Ron Nowak touched the lives of those around him in a special way. His devotion to his family and friends was easy to see in the everyday choices he made. The memories Ron leaves behind will be a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. Ron Nowak - If you met him, you like him, If you knew him you loved him.

Ronald D. “Ronny” Nowak, aged 47 of Grand Rapids, passed away at his home on Sunday evening, March 11, 2012 following a bout with cancer. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Nowak, and his brothers, David and Edward Nowak. He is survived by his mother, Lorraine Nowak; his brothers and sister, Michael (Sue) Nowak, Linda (Tim) Kurek, Carol Nowak, John Nowak, Tom Nowak and Dan (Gwen) Nowak; many nieces, nephews and friends. Ron worked at Rockford Fosgate for several years. Cremation has taken place. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the Mass begins. Contributions in his memory may be made to the VanAndel Institute for Cancer Research or Sacred Heart Church. To read more about Ronny's life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.