Stephen B. Nowak

Stephen B. Nowak (72) of Willow Creek, Montana passed away on July 22, 2020, at home peacefully with his family.

In true Montanan fashion, Steve was an avid fisherman, and after meeting a young art teacher, Cathleen Stevens, lured her into marrying him after a courtship of fish (not flowers) and a proposal at the Jefferson River. The happy couple wed on July 16, 1983 surrounded by family and friends. Steve and Cathy enjoyed supporting each other’s creative outlets, and his woodworking, metalworking, and recycled materials were always incorporated or on display in the couple’s home and at the Willow Creek Art Walk. Together they built their home in Willow Creek for the next 37 years.

Steve was an avid collector, but even in the treasure state, his greatest treasures were his two children, Stephanie and John. He actively supported their lives and interests, including construction of the Willow Creek High School football field. He humored countless pets, including a mostly hairless orange kitten that he named “Squeak” whom he shared an instant affinity with after the two shared the joys of ringworm. Squeak remained by his side until the end.

He was the first born to parents Alfred and Ruth Nowak, on December 1, 1947, in Great Falls, Montana, and the proud older brother of his siblings, Charles and Janice. After the loss of his family in a train accident as a teenager, throughout his life Steve gave back to the community that supported and gave to him. Steve graduated from Willow Creek High School and worked at the local talc plant for over 30 years. He was a volunteer fireman at the Willow Creek Fire Department, chairman of the Willow Creek Sewer Department, volunteer at the Three Forks Historical Society, and an ardent supporter of the American Red Cross.

Steve always had a smile on his face and was generous to a fault. There was no person he was unwilling to help—indeed, he was selfless. He helped anyone that asked and without expectation of anything in return. If one could even start to measure his life, it was by the size of his heart.

His tireless love and care for his family were evident in his final moments.

He is survived by his wife, Cathleen M. Nowak; his daughter Stephanie M. (Clint) Regenold; and his son John A. Nowak. He is also survived by his cousins Sharon McCray and Laura Moyer. He is predeceased by his parents Alfred William Nowak and Ruth Gertrude Werstler (Nowak); brother Charles Nowak; sister Janice Nowak; his aunt Virginia (Maurice) Moyer, among other friends and family.

A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Three Forks Ambulance, who helped them over the years, and the Three Forks Historical Society.