Louis Ray Nowakowski, age 60 of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025.  He was born on January 14, 1965, in Gary, Indiana to the late Eugene and Mary Nowakowski.

He was the youngest of three brothers, Bob Nowakowski, Eugene Nowakowski of Hobart, IN; Mike Nowakowski of Fort Worth, TX and two sisters Jenni (John) Palyok, Victoria (Terry) Board of Hobart, IN;

Louis met the love of his life Maria while stationed in Italy. Together they had one son Dylan and shared 29 wonderful years of marriage -Louis was also the proud father of three more sons- Stephen Nowakowski of Great Meadows, NJ; Brian (Kathryn) Nowakowski of Hackettstown, NJ; Blake (Jordan) King (Nowakowski) of Dallas, TX. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Scarlett, Isla, and Kieran Nowakowski, Redding, Prior and Mitchell King.

A Life of Service and Heart

Louis was a brilliant and culturally gifted man, whose curiosity and intelligence touched every part of his life. He earned an Associate of Arts from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College.  He went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy where he had a career as a Biomedical Engineer and Contracting Officer. He worked all over the world including, Florida, Texas, Norfolk Virginia, Colorado, Italy, Germany.  Louis enjoyed gaining more knowledge and continued to further his education throughout his life.  He volunteered his time at the Midwest Veterans Closet in Chicago where he helped homeless and impoverished Veterans.  Louis enjoyed playing his guitar and he also loved collecting things.  In his spare time, he would frequent pawn shops, rummage sales, and estate sales looking for his next treasure.

Spirit that Shines on.

Everyone who knew Louis admired his strength, positivity and unwavering kindness. He had a gift for lifting others and he was always the first to offer helping hand. He had a gentle soul and deep love for animals. Known affectionally as the dog whisperer, he shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Sofia, who became his loyal companion and best friend during the years he was working from home.

Louis was the life of the party. His strong personality and unforgettable storytelling, touched countless lives. It will be incredibly difficult to fill the void left by his premature departure but the love, memories, and light he shared, will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

Forever Loved Forever missed

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Maria Nowakowski of Pleasant Prairie, WI; four sons, Dylan Nowakowski of Kenosha, WI; Stephen Nowakowski of Great Meadow, NJ; Brian (Kathryn) Nowakowski of Hackettstown, NJ; Blake (Jordan) King (Nowakowski) of Dallas, TX; two brothers, Eugene Nowakowski of Hobart, IN; Mike Nowakowski of Fort Worth, TX; one sister, Victoria (Terry) Board of Hobart, IN; six grandchildren, Scarlett, Isla, and Kieran Nowakowski, Redding, Prior and Mitchell King.

Funeral services are Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 3 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart.  Cremation will follow.  Visitation is just prior to the service from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel.