Donald Edward Nowak died Aug. 12, 2010, in Coupeville. Don was born June 30, 1931, in Alpena, Mich., to Blanche and Edward Walter Nowak.

After graduating from St. Bernard High School in Alpena in 1949, Don enlisted in the Army. Following a transfer to the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, he entered West Point Military Academy and was a proud member of the Class of 1954, Cadet Company M-2.

After graduation he was commissioned an infantry lieutenant and remained on active duty with overseas posts in Germany, Vietnam and Japan. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1976.

He graduated from Columbus State University in 1979 with an MBA. In that same year, Don and his first wife, Erma, moved to Whidbey Island, building their new home in Greenbank.

He was a partner in Browne, Youngberg & Nowak Tax Consultants until he retired in 2005.

After Erma’s death, he married Ruth L. Rehn, and they traveled extensively during the following years.

He was a devoted member of St. Hubert Catholic Church in Langley and an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as Commander of the Deception Pass Chapter of the U.S. Power Squadron from 1989 to 1990 and was also a member of the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.

Don is survived by his beloved wife Ruth Rehn Nowak; brother David Nowak, wife Edie of High Point, N.C., children Ada Dunn, Christina Washburn, Thomas Nowak and Michael Nowak; brother James Nowack, wife Patti of of Alpena, children Mark and Lori; sister Mary Powers, husband Henry of Lawton, Okla.; sister-in-law Doris Nowak of Pawleys Island, S.C., children Mary O’Hanneson and Edward Nowak; niece Pat Olson, husband Tom of Bothell, children Kristin and Kevin; nephew John Knighton, wife Sherrie of Indianapolis.; step-daughters Lynda David, husband Chuck, and Karen Nies, husband John.

Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Erma Knighton Nowak, his brother, John Nowak and his nephew Jackie Nowak.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at St. Hubert Catholic Church, Langley, followed by a reception at the Parish Hall. Graveside service will follow at Fernhill Cemetery, Anacortes.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to St. Hubert Catholic Church Building Fund (804 Third St., Langley, WA 98260) or World Vision (www.WorldVision.org). Visser Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.