Obituary of John Nowacki
John Nowacki, age 77, passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL. John was born in Chicago on January 10, 1947, the only son of the late George Nowacki and Lorraine Walls. On June 3, 1972, John married Barbara Berek, and the two most recently celebrated 52 years of marriage.
John owned and operated his own autobody shops, Premier Frame and Fender in Riverside, IL, and more recently Coachcraft, Inc. in Romeoville, IL. After retirement, he still enjoyed working on cars, time spent on his Harley, and a tall glass of Crown Royal & Coke. He was also a lifelong fan of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bears. He was an avid country music fan and was never seen without his jeans and boots. Throughout his life, John was described by family and friends as a great guy who through his humor and selfless acts would try to make life better for people.
John is survived by his loving wife Barbara (nee Berek) Nowacki; his daughter, Tricia (Bret) Goodwin; his grandsons, Jarrett and Cole Goodwin; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Paul) Mockler, Valerie (John) Zubek, and Geri (Dean) Fleming; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his granddaughter, Rachel Goodwin.
As it was John’s final request, cremation rites have been accorded, and the family will be having a Celebration of Life at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home in Morris. For more information, please call 815-942-5040, or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
