Catherine Gendlek

Judy Perks

Edwards Memorial Funeral Homes - University Place

John Nowakowski

Just Cremation

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Sandy Scites

Aubrey White, Jr.

Thompson Funeral Homes - Lexington

– Overall, 1980 was a decent year. Depending on your politics, it was good or bad. Reagan defeated Carter in a landslide, although most late polls showed a Carter advantage (shades of things to come. ) The music was OK; Blondie's “Call Me,” was Billboard's No. 1 song for the year. The movies were amazing, and included “The Empire Strikes Back,” of course … and some other ones.  The decade also spit out a tremendous grouch, a sardonic old soul, a great wit, a baker, a musician, a hacky sack (sorry, “footbag”) enthusiast, a journalist, an attorney, and one of the finest human beings this cheating, unjust rock has ever produced.  John Roman Nowakowski sauntered from his comfy prenatal home on Oct. 21, 1980. His lifelong best friend, partner in mischief, and identical twin Joseph Roman appeared first. Ten minutes later, Joe’s cries convinced John to venture forth. Although, likely, only because he wanted to quiet the noise and continue his nap.  His infant years were rough. John's heart was a pain in the ass, and it never fully cooperated. He would turn blue, frightening everyone around him. Oxygen-poor blood, which leaked past his lungs, was the culprit. His bargain-bin pumper did its best to push the misrouted blood through his body (and maybe his heart was why he so liked thrift stores and cheap bargains).  Doctors did their best then, and throughout his life, to keep him going. But after 36 years, his heart played its final beat.  John fancied himself an “80-year-old man in 30-something's body,” not for health reasons, but rather for his grumpy demeanor. Unlike most other facets of his life, he was no good at his self-described age displacement. His outer crust was thin, and gave way quickly and easily to his true tender nature. He was a softy through and through and failed miserably at being a grouch.  At everything else he pursued, if he decided it was worthy, he excelled.  John earned a journalism degree from the University of Montana. He worked briefly as a journalist before he finally listened to his older brother, who had begged him to get out of the news business ASAP.  From there, John sought a more respectable profession. He joined his childhood friend Erik in Oklahoma, where they both earned law degrees from the University of Tulsa - College of Law. Both returned to Montana, passed the bar exam, and quickly started their legal careers.  As a child, John saw countless adventures, especially with Joe. There are too many stories to cover in the expensive space here (and for the record John would have scoffed at the cost of this obituary. Quite frankly, he wouldn't have paid for it. ) But his (mis)adventures with Joe are legendary among his friends and family. Thinking back, he's lucky he made it as long as he did. Sign up to get each day's obituaries sent to your email inbox  One of his best known stories happened in Oregon, where John spent his preschool years. Joe and John found an old door, which totally wouldn't float if put in a stream. They were little, and didn't understand buoyancy, or know how to swim. But they knew trouble. Somehow, they made it through the marshy area behind their house. Before they were to launch the S. S. Not-Gonna-Float, more responsible parties intervened. In respect to John's more miserly inclinations, we'll stop there. You'll need to come to his celebration service for additional stories.  John was an exceptional baker and cook (self-taught of course). His recipes were exquisite, and he would often tease his brothers and sister with photos of his latest creations. Sharing, though, not so much. That is until he met his fiancée Jeri, his love, and the only person who saw more than just photos of John's cooking.  John's siblings gained a sister in Jeri. She made him shine, and he truly blossomed into the best version of himself after he met her. His life had a short trajectory, and although he wasn't much for fate or mysticism, it's no coincidence that their paths intersected.  John led a rich life, and his death ripples through the lives of many others. Jeri lost her partner; his sister Amanda lost her baby bro; his brother Joe lost his twin, womb-mate, and mischief making partner; his brother Peter lost his gaming buddy; and his mom lost her baby boy. John shared a special relationship with his Aunt Carol and Uncle Anthony. He was a super cool uncle to his nephews Bridger and Roman. He was preceded in death by his beloved father Mark, who was also quite cheap and with whom John shared an uncanny similarity in voice, mannerisms and dry sense of humor. He also is survived by his older brother Daniel, his younger brother Matthew and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  John would not have wanted to include the photo with this obituary, but his sister insisted regardless of the extra charge. Anyway, the merits of this discussion, and many others that John would have loved to belabor, can be finished at a memorial in celebration of his life from 1 to 4 p. m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Ranch Club, 8501 Ranch Club Road, 59808 in Missoula.  In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Kiwanis Club of Missoula or the International Heart Institute of Montana Foundation.

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John Nowakowski Obituary | Just Cremation