Peter John Nowak

After a courageous battle with brain cancer, Peter John Nowak passed away on February 10, 2025, at the age of 50 at his home. Peter fought with incredible courage, determination and unwavering hope that inspired everyone who knew him. 

Born on April 1, 1974, an April Fools’ baby, Peter had a built-in excuse to make people laugh. From the start, his stubbornness drove him to fight cancer for 16 courageous years. During that time, he defied the odds and proved that statistics are not always accurate. Despite the challenges of his cancer, he would joke around with the doctors, nurses, or anyone he came in contact with. He would even joke around with the person who had to give him chemo treatments. The moment anyone met Pete, you became his friend. 

Throughout his life, Peter Nowak embodied compassion, kindness, and generosity. He always wore his heart on his sleeve and approached life wholeheartedly. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving on the Wind Lake fire department, where he built close relationships with the volunteer firefighters, treating them like family and enjoying time together watching NASCAR. Another example of Peter’s big heart is when he went to a burn camp and shaved his head to look like the kids and did everything he could to make them laugh—even when they were confined to their beds. 

A special thank you to Dawes Crane, Peter's employer for nearly 18 years. He took pride in his position as a Safety Coordinator and was very thankful for the outpouring of support he received by both his co-workers and the Company itself. The compassion he received is truly appreciated.

In later years, he frequented George Webb’s, where he would sit with anyone who appeared lonely just to spark up a conversation. He was known for complimenting the cooks or randomly paying for someone’s meal. Peter was always on a mission to make those around him feel special. If you were sad or hurting, he was right there with you, sharing your pain with deep compassion. Peter loved cheering on the Brewers and the Packers and enjoyed discussing the games with his mom, Kathy. He loved to reminisce about childhood memories with his sister and truly treasured the moments he shared with each and every person who touched his life. Peter loved his friends and family so deeply and his legacy of love will be cherished by all who had the privilege of sharing in his journey. 

Peter Nowak is survived by his loving family, including his mother, Kathy Michalski; his sister, Pauline Fahning; his brother-in-law, Todd Fahning; his nephew, Matthew Fanning; and his niece, Lauren Fahning. He is further survived by the Nowak and Michalski families and many friends who were like extended family, especially the Broyle and Sievert family. Peter was preceded in death by his father, John Nowak.

Please join us for a celebration of life at Clifford's Supper Club in Hales Corners, on Saturday April 26th from 2-4 PM.