Obituary of Victor Nowak

Victor Nowak died on September 1, 2018 at 96 years of age at Grand River Hospital after emergency surgery. Until the end of his life he expressed his love for his family and continued to always “hope for the best.”

He and his beloved wife, Anna Nowak, were married for 72 years. He was the father of Goldine Pankratz (Jim), Nell Peters (Martin Buhr), and Ed Nowak (Karen). He was “Opa”, grandfather and great grandfather to: Carmen Pankratz (Jason Braun), Emma and Simon; Rachel Pankratz (Sam Ward); Matt Peters (Sarah), Grayson and Macy; Kara Peters-Unrau (Kevin), Micah and Lucas; Angela Garland (Nathan), Olivia, Hannah, Alayna; Andrew Nowak (Sarah), Ava and William.

He was pre-deceased by son-in-law Ed Peters.

Victor was born into a large farming family in Poland. He was forced from Poland as a young man and lived through challenging experiences as a farm labourer in Germany during WWII. While in Bavaria he met and married his sweetheart Anna Klassen who had also been displaced from her home and family by the war.

With the help of the Red Cross they connected with relatives in Kitchener and immigrated to Canada in 1948. Their new life was characterized by love, faith, family, hard work, and generosity. They had deep friendships and contributed in many ways at the Kitchener Mennonite Brethren Church.

Victor had a 30 year working career at J.M. Schneider’s.

In their retirement Victor and Anna enjoyed many winters in Florida and summers at their cottage on Lake Huron. Wherever they lived, “Vic” soon became the handyman who cheerfully fixed his neighbours problems. Most recently they have lived at the Village of Winston Park Retirement Suites, enjoying the friendship of fellow residents and the care of the staff.

A Memorial celebration of Victor’s life will be held at Erb and Good Funeral Home, in Waterloo on Sunday September 16, 2018. At 2:00 pm Anna and her family will receive friends and relatives. At 3:00 pm a Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel.  A Reception will follow in the Fireside Room.

Those wishing to express sympathy and appreciation for Victor’s life are invited to make donations to The Working Centre, Kitchener, or Mennonite Central Committee, through Erb and Good Funeral Home (www.erbgood.com) 519-745-8445.