Leonard "Len" Raymond Nowak

Leonard passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024 at the age of 103. Preceded in death by his wife, Alice (nee Koshick). Survived by sisters, Esther Babinski and Florence Lepkowski, and brother Gerald Nowak. Survived by sons, John (Gertie nee Erkens), Jerome (Teri nee Shiltz) and Steven (Mary nee Block); grandchildren, Peter, Alyssa, Michael, Marie, Sarah and Shaun, great-grandchildren, Alison, Jakob, Vera, Dylan, Elyse and Adalynn. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Leonard was born on March 20, 1921 in Pulaski, WI to Walenty and Maryann Nowak. He was one of nine children. The family lost their farm in 1932 during the depression and moved to Woodbine, IL, then on to Lake Geneva, WI, working as hired farm help and eventually ending up in Milwaukee. Leonard graduated from the Kosciusko Jr. Trade School in June of 1938.

In the summer of 1938 he joined the C.C.C's for a two year enlistment. He was a member of Company 4610 located at Camp Interstate, St. Croix Falls, WI. Stone shelters that he helped build still stand and are in use to this day. After the C.C.C.'s he worked at Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee.

Leonard joined the Marines in August of 1942 and was trained in aircraft maintenance. He was assigned to MAG 23 (Marine Air Group) on Midway Island from 1943 to 1945. He was discharged on November 16, 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After the war, he went back to Allis Chalmers for a short stint. It was here that he met Alice of Antigo, WI. They were married June of 1948 and enjoyed 29 years of marriage before her death in November of 1977.

He went on to work for the Milwaukee County Park System starting as a laborer at the Whitnall Park Botanical Gardens eventually becoming Head Rose Gardener. Over the years he managed the Whitnall Park Golf Course and the Greenfield Park District. He was proud of his contributions to the park system, golf course attendance and the innovative toboggan slide at Whitnall Park. Leonard retired from the County in 1983 as a District Park Supervisor.

Leonard was a life long stamp collector, enjoyed wood working, and getting together with family, friends and his Marine buddies. He truly enjoyed the time he had with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We want to thank the staff at Elizabeth Residence New Berlin and Regency New Berlin for the great care provided to Dad in the past months and years.