Romelle Nowak

Romelle (Mel) Nowak (nee Turowski)

Born to eternal life on January 27, 2026, at the age of 93, at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Noon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, 1619 Washington St., in Grafton. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, at the church, from 10:00a.m. - 11:45a.m. Father Tim Schumaker will be officiating. Private burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery for immediate family. Guests are invited to lunch after Mass at The American Legion Rose-Harms Post 355, located at 1540 13th Ave., Grafton WI.

Romelle Turowski was born on August 31, 1932, in Milwaukee WI to Edward and Gertrude Turowski (nee Kaczmarek). Romelle had two siblings. Her brother Norman and sister-in-law (Fran) Turowski both preceded her in death. Her sister Bernice O’Leske (nee Turowski) and brother-in-law Bernie, also preceded her in death. Her grandson Nicholas Nowak preceded her in death in 2024.

Romelle attended Riverside High School, and her first part-time job was at Pete’s Bakery. Her love for making pie would become her trademark among the family menus. Upon graduation, she began her career at the WI Electric Company. She met her beau ice-skating and married Ardell Leo Nowak on October 13, 1951. He preceded her in death in 1991. In her late 20’s she answered the call for Community Service. She became a pillar in the Grafton Community earning many accolades and lifetime friendships. Her energy was contagious and the achievements bountiful. Her spiritual devotion to St. Therese, would be acquired by many.

In 2001, The Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce awarded Romelle the Outstanding Citizen Award in recognition of her tireless contributions to the Grafton Community. The State of WI Citation by the Assembly, awarded her for involvement in the Grafton Girl Scout Association, GHS Booster Club, St. Joseph’s Church and various volunteer organizations.

In 2010, she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Zablocki VA Medical Center for her exceptional support to the Milwaukee VA Women Veterans Health Program. By 2015, the Village of Grafton declared Resolution No. 035 commending (Mel) on her 50 years of service as she assisted the Police Dept. as a Crossing Guard. She was involved with Safety Town and The American Legion. During this tenure, she was appointed Chief Election Inspector. Her primary role was to ensure the integrity of the election process and be sure all eligible people were given the opportunity to vote.

Mel’s spiritual devotion was acknowledged in 2017. As an unselfish role model, with a focus on spiritual growth, she was awarded the Ozanam Award on behalf of St. Vincent de Paul. Mel completed 70 years as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary last June. The merit includes the honor of being cited as an Outstanding Contributor to the accomplishment of the programs.

Romelle is survived by her sons Rick Nowak (Helen) from Fremont WI, Dave Nowak (Debbi) from Willard WI, and daughter Brenda Brewster (nee Nowak) of Port Washington. She has eight grandchildren, Brian Nowak (Kara), Christopher Nowak (Natasha), Benjamin Nowak (Kayla), Michelle Nowak Pingel (Steve), Tanya Nowak Schulteis (Jody), Patrick Nowak, Michael Brewster (Kristin), Eric Brewster (Erin). She was blessed with (19) Great-Grandchildren.

The value bestowed on family and friends to put community first with Faith as our light, will go unsurpassed. Memorials to The St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o St. Joseph Parish, Grafton, The American Legion Auxiliary Rose-Harms Post 355 or to Manitou Girl Scout Campership Fund, Grafton are appreciated.