Michael Nowatzke
April 9, 1954 — April 22, 2024
Michael Joseph Nowatzke was born to Raymond and Madonna (Paollazzi) Nowatzke on April 9, 1954 in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa, where he remained a life long member. He attended grade school at St. Mary’s Catholic school and graduated from Harlan Community High School. Mike was married for a short time, and to this marriage two sons were born, Christian and Raymond.
Mike helped his dad on the farm as a child, and eventually worked at Mickel’s Restaurant in Harlan after graduating for over 30 years. He spent many years working in equipment operation at Smithfield in Denison, Iowa until he retired in 2017.
Throughout Mike’s life, he had many hobbies. He was a big Denver Broncos fan. He was a long time member for the Earling Volunteer Fire Department. He was known for helping with the Steak Fry and Raffle. Mike was known to always be looking out for people. He had a large garden out on his farm that he took great pride in. He was a very proud grandpa to Damon, Charissa, and Kaylee. He enjoyed hunting with his son, and made friends wherever he went. Mike was great at playing pool and won several trophies over the years. He loved planting and harvesting and you could always hear him say, “If the tractor isn’t red, it can stay in the shed.”
Mike passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Madonna Nowatzke; son, Christian Nowatzke; and brother, Jerry Nowatzke.
He is survived by his son, Raymond (Sonja) Nowatzke of Sac City, IA; grandchildren, Damon (Alma) Nowatzke, Charissa Nowatzke, Kaylee Nowatzke; siblings, Marie (Garry) Nelson of Lakeland, FL; John (Donita) Nowatzke of Kimballton, IA; Theresa (Ray) Bruck of Persia, IA; Gene Nowatzke of Audubon, IA; Ronald Nowatzke of Plano, TX; sister-in-law Diana Nowatzke of North Platte, NE.
In lieu of flowers, family suggest monetary donations be made to the Earling Fire Department.
Mike helped his dad on the farm as a child, and eventually worked at Mickel’s Restaurant in Harlan after graduating for over 30 years. He spent many years working in equipment operation at Smithfield in Denison, Iowa until he retired in 2017.
Throughout Mike’s life, he had many hobbies. He was a big Denver Broncos fan. He was a long time member for the Earling Volunteer Fire Department. He was known for helping with the Steak Fry and Raffle. Mike was known to always be looking out for people. He had a large garden out on his farm that he took great pride in. He was a very proud grandpa to Damon, Charissa, and Kaylee. He enjoyed hunting with his son, and made friends wherever he went. Mike was great at playing pool and won several trophies over the years. He loved planting and harvesting and you could always hear him say, “If the tractor isn’t red, it can stay in the shed.”
Mike passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2024 at Loring Hospital in Sac City, Iowa surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Madonna Nowatzke; son, Christian Nowatzke; and brother, Jerry Nowatzke.
He is survived by his son, Raymond (Sonja) Nowatzke of Sac City, IA; grandchildren, Damon (Alma) Nowatzke, Charissa Nowatzke, Kaylee Nowatzke; siblings, Marie (Garry) Nelson of Lakeland, FL; John (Donita) Nowatzke of Kimballton, IA; Theresa (Ray) Bruck of Persia, IA; Gene Nowatzke of Audubon, IA; Ronald Nowatzke of Plano, TX; sister-in-law Diana Nowatzke of North Platte, NE.
In lieu of flowers, family suggest monetary donations be made to the Earling Fire Department.
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