Joyce A. Nowak

Joyce A. Nowak, 92 of Fremont, OH passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025 at St. Vincent Medical Center. She was born on February 12, 1932 in Fremont, OH to AJ and Josephine (Kessler) Fredericks. Joyce was a 1950 graduate of Fremont Ross High School. 

Joyce married Lester C. Nowak Sr, on November 20, 1948 in Fremont, OH and he preceded her in death on April 29, 2019. She was affectionally known as Grandma Joyce to countless children and families as she worked for the Early Learning Center and babysat many generations in her home. Her legacy is etched in the hearts of her children, grandchildren and all who adored her. Joyce was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Old Fort Basketball Team. Joyce found immense joy in her ministry as a Jehovah’s Witness and was a beloved member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 

Joyce is survived by her children, Lester Nowak Jr, Fremont, OH, Laura Nowak, Las Vegas, NV, Lisa Hartman and Libby (Tom) Pena, both of Fremont, OH; son-in-law, Ken Abernathy, Fremont, OH; grandchildren, Lester Nowak III, Monica (Mike) Decker, Matthew (Abby) Abernathy, Joshua Abernathy, Michael (Kate) Abernathy, Melissa (Luke) Kingsborough, Allison Hartman, Amy Hartman, Dustin (Karie) Nowak, Justin Nowak, Autumn (Adam) Thiel, Tyler (Savannah) Pena, Hannah (Michael) Egbert; twenty-three great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; sisters, Nancy (Chet) Pullins and Kay Zimmerman, both of Fremont, OH.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester Nowak Sr, son, Lee Nowak, daughter, Lynne Abernathy; great grandson, Lincoln Thiel and brother-in-law, Robert Zimmerman.

A visitation will be held for Joyce on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 1 to 3 pm at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH 43420.

A Memorial Service will follow the visitation, beginning at 3:00 pm at the funeral home with Phil Bork officiating. 

Memorials can be made in Joyce’s honor to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1509 Cedar St, Fremont, OH or to the American Breast Cancer Foundation, 10440 Little Patuxent Parkway Suite 300Columbia, MD 21044.