John Louis “Jack” Nowlan passed away at the age of 90, on Saturday, October 5, 2024. He was born to James and Elizabeth (Mulhern) Nowlan in Chicago, Illinois on July 6, 1934. John grew up in Chicago, attended St. Ignatius Academy and graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon graduation he served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Story in Virginia Beach, VA. He met the love of his life, Marie Weber, in Chicago. They married on October 26, 1957, and were happily married for 61 years. They spent their first years in Virginia and then together returned to Chicago, where John worked at US Steel, and they began their family. John began his life-long career with IBM in 1962 until his retirement.
Upon retirement from IBM, John began volunteering at the Red Cross. He began serving the local community and then traveled extensively to disasters around the country including the historical disasters of Hurricane Katrina and 9/11. He was incredibly proud of the services he provided through the Red Cross. John loved to spend time with family, jumping campfires while on vacation, the annual croquet tournament, playing with his grandchildren and telling his Army stories. We will always cherish his unwavering faith, wit, kindness, compassion, endless stories, and lifelong guidance. We will miss him greatly. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for 61 years, serving in many roles over the decades.
He is survived by his children, Catherine Adams (Steve), Elizabeth Helmer (John), Jeanne Carberry, John Jr. (Nancy); and daughter-in-law Patty Nowlan. John is also survived by his sisters, Betty Maloney and Patricia Bialecke; and many nieces and nephews. He adored his thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; their beloved son, Michael; and his brother James Nowlan.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:30 AM at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, IN with visitation at the church from 10:30 AM until the service time. Additional visitation will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Pine Valley Park, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made through contributions to the American Red Cross USA Disaster Relief.
DONATIONS
American Red Cross - US Disaster ReliefPO Box 37839, Boone, Iowa 50037
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