Marie Joyce Nowak

Marie J. Nowak, 66, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin passed away at St. Luke's Hospital on December 17, 2021. Marie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She had a heart of gold and was always putting others before herself, never wanted to inconvenience anyone. She was the kindest, sweetest woman you could ever meet, always smiling, an endless amount of patience. Her sense of humor was fantastic and she gave the best impartial advice. She was proud of her Irish and Polish heritage and always had a great joke, saying or story about the quirks of each. She was looking forward to traveling to spend more time with her sons and grandchildren in the next chapter of her life. She loved her family above all else. She loved all animals, especially dogs and hummingbirds. She was a longtime donor to the Humane Society and save the elephants. She loved chocolate and was famous for her little hidden stashes and most recently the candy buffet she kept up out for when the kids (or adults) would visit. Marie was born on November 11, 1955, also at St. Lukes Hospital, to the late Joyce Hofner and Ray Nowak. Marie has two sisters, Julie Pittelkow and her husband Dave, who live in Wales, Wisconsin; and Betty Nowak, who lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Marie is survived by her sons, Ryan Schlueter and his wife Larissa of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; Justin Schlueter and his significant other Abby of Denver, Colorado; Three Grandchildren, Carter Schlueter, Mara Pankratz, Vinny Pankratz; Nieces Heather Pittelkow and her husband Chris; Jenna and her husband Derek Mlaker; Jamie and her husband Brad Love; Nephew Jared Palkowski; Her cherished dog, Issa. Marie would always talk about how we had lucky numbers in our family’s double-digit birthdays. She was born in 11/11/55. 11+11 = 22nd, which is the date she had 2 sons and 2 grandchildren. And 11+55 = 66, so of course that is the age she would get her angel wings. Marie was our family’s guiding light and kept our sprits bright, the world is not the same without her and she will be truly missed by so many. Funeral services will be on New Years Eve, 12/31/2021, at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral home, Greenridge Chapel at 4747 S. 60th St., Greenfield, WI 53220. Reception will be from 1pm-2pm, service 2pm-3pm, and a casual gathering following the service at 3:30pm at Mulligans Irish Pub located at 8933 S. 27th St. Franklin, Wisconsin. The family would like to express a deeply sincere thank those who have reached out with condolences, flowers, meals, prayers, and support during this extremely difficult time.