Donald Edward Nowak was born to Blanche and Edward Nowak in Alpena, MI. His father earned two Purple Hearts as a machine gunner during World War II. This, combined with his extensive use of the area’s water facilities and woods for hunting, fishing, and skiing, made a military career a natural goal. As the eldest of six children, he developed a natural leadership ability which, combined with academic excellence, resulted in his election as the president of the St. Bernard’s High School Senior Class of 1949.

 

After graduation, Don set his sights on gaining admission to West Point. He first enlisted in the Army and thanks to his outstanding performance was awarded admittance to the USMA Prep School at Stewart A.F.B. There, he was introduced to the intense schedule and rigors of cadet life. He gained admission to the Academy’s Class of 1954, becoming a proud member of Flanker Company M-2. Throughout his four years at the Academy, he manifested the skills he had developed as a boy, proving to be a valued member of the Company, the Catholic Choir, and the Camera, German, Ski, and Skeet Clubs. Don also helped his brother John (Jack) to seek and gain entrance to West Point with the Class of 1958. Jack retired with honor from a career as a Field Artilleryman before pre-deceasing Don.

 

Upon graduation, Don completed the Basic Infantry Officer’s Course as well as Airborne and Ranger Schools. With a dozen of his classmates, he reported to the 10th Infantry Division at Ft. Riley, KS; one of the new "Gyroscope" army units designed to retain its complement for a complete tour, exchanging bases repeatedly with the same unit. The 10th exchanged places with the Big Red One, which had been in Germany since the 1944 invasion. The Big Red One did replace the 10th at Ft. Riley, but the 10th returned to the States after several years as the newly reformed 2nd Infantry Division, stationed at Ft. Benning, GA—the "Gyroscope" concept having been abandoned.

 

Don’s 23-year Army career included two tours in Vietnam, first as battalion, then as division operations advisor, earning both a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal. Other assignments included serving as Aide de Camp, as Inspector General, and as a Company Commander in Berlin, where he met his future wife, Erma Knighton, a teacher. They married in 1967. One of their favorite assignments was a five-year tour in Japan. Stateside tours at Ft. Monroe, VA, and Ft. Benning were particularly enjoyed because Don could practice his water skills with his power boats. At both locales he proved most hospitable to classmates and other friends who joined him for fishing, waterskiing, and cruising. He concluded his Army career at Ft. Benning, where he retired in 1976.

 

Don completed his MBA at Columbus State University in Georgia in 1979. That same year, he and Erma moved to Whidbey Island, WA, where they built their dream home in Greenbank. There, he launched a new career, eventually becoming a partner in the firm of Browne, Youngberg and Nowak Tax Consultants, advising individuals and small business owners and meeting the challenges of the ever changing tax system. Don retired from the firm in 2004 at the age of 74.

 

Soon after joining the Whidbey community, Don became a valued and contributing member. Throughout Don’s life, his faith was of paramount importance to him and attendance at Sunday Mass was a given. As a devout member of St. Hubert Catholic Church, he helped with renovations, served as a lector, and held the office of Church Treasurer for ten years. Don was also involved in service to his church and community as an Honorary Life Member of Knights of Columbus. The island environment permitted Don to pursue his lifelong enjoyment of boating, fishing, and crabbing. He and Erma were members of the Oak Harbor Yacht Club and enjoyed navigating their 32-foot trawler throughout the Puget Sound area. He joined the Deception Pass Chapter of the U.S. Power Squadron, teaching boating classes as well as serving as Treasurer and Education Officer before becoming the chapter’s Commander from 1989-90. Outside boating season, Don and Erma traveled the country extensively. Their trips were often planned around the activities of their nieces and nephews as well as Don’s M-2 family from West Point.

 

After Erma passed away in 2002, Don married Ruth Rehn. Ruth and her late husband had been friends, neighbors and fellow boaters with Don and Erma. Don and Ruth traveled the United States and Canada, taking trains whenever possible. They also attended several M-2 events and were present at the 2004 dedication of the Hannibal statue at West Point. In 2008, they visited London and Paris, as well as the Normandy landing beaches.

 

In June 2010, Don was diagnosed with lung cancer that required surgery, but complications brought about his demise on August 12. He was interred next to Erma at Fernhill Cemetery in Anacortes, WA. Throughout his life, Don was a valued member of any organization to which he belonged. He was respected by all who knew him and loved by those who knew him best. He lived his life before, during, and after graduation by the West Point motto: "Duty, Honor, Country." He was the exemplification of the Good Man. Be Thou at Peace.

 

— Prepared by Dave Nowak, brother,
with the support of Mark Reese, roommate