PORTAGE – Father David G. Nowak, 72, of Portage, a priest of the Diocese of Gary, died on Oct. 16, 2026. He was born in Elkhart, Ind., to Eugene H. Nowak and Judith Ann Tyuty Nowak.
Father Nowak worked as a respiratory therapist in a hospital when people began telling him he would make a good priest. He began discerning his vocation with the help of Father John Murzyn, who was pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in New Chicago.
Father Nowak was ordained to the priesthood on May 4, 1985, at St. Thomas More in Munster. From 1985 to 1990, he served at St. Catherine of Siena in Hammond, St. Bridget in Hobart, chaplain at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, and chaplain at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond.
During an interview for the 40th anniversary of his ordination in 2025, Father Nowak said what he enjoyed the most about his role as a priest was visiting people in their homes and in the hospital.
“I was so used to the hospital that I felt comfortable going in and helping people,” he said.
In 1996, Father Nowak was appointed pastor of St. Stephen, Martyr in Merrillville, while also serving as chaplain at Methodist Hospital in Merrillville. From 2000 to 2019, his priestly ministry included assignments at St. Paul in Valparaiso; St. Thomas More in Munster; St. Bridget in Hobart; St. Mary in Griffith; St. Ann in Gary; St. Patrick in East Chicago; and other pastoral responsibilities within the North Lake Deanery.
Senior Priest Dominic Bertino was one of the masters of ceremonies when Fathers Charles Mosley and Father Nowak were ordained by Bishop Norbert Gaughan. One of Father Nowak’s first assignments had been at St. Bridget before Father Bertino arrived, and he returned to assist him from 1994-1996 before being named pastor at St Stephen Martyr.
“During that time he was a great help, responsible and collaborative,” Father Bertino said. “I was once told after he became a pastor that he now understood some of our policies and was grateful for the experience.”
Father Bertino added that he was aware that Father Nowak had problems with his health over the years and was given leave on more than one occasion to regain it. “It was a struggle for him but he always persevered,” he said.
Father Nowak was granted senior priest status in 2019. He also served the Diocese of Gary through his work with the Marriage Tribunal.
Tribunal Secretary Milly Virus stated that Father Nowak always took the time to listen, talk and offer kind advice and guidance to others. She noted that he had a great sense of humor and always made her laugh. In addition, Virus recalled that his relationship with his mom was very close and “that was very endearing to witness.”
“Since he was always willing to help people, I have heard how he was a saving grace to those that he ministered to at the Pastoral Center,” she said. “For me personally, he will be remembered for his infectious laugh and sincere kindness. I am very blessed and grateful to God to have known him.”
In his leisure time, Father Nowak enjoyed gardening, playing the organ and reading.
Father Nowak was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Judith Nowak; and sister, Kathy Lynn Nowak. He was a loving brother to Gregory (Therese) Nowak and Lorrie (Tom) Geer; proud uncle to Dr. Lindsay Nowak, Michelle and Nicole Nowak, Emily (Matthew) Hink, Noah Geer, Rylee Geer; and dear great-uncle to Rosie and Matthew Jr. Hink; as well as other loving family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SHARE Foundation, PO Box 400, Rolling Prairie, Indiana 46371.
Visitation will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, 3530 Illinois Street in Hobart on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, from 2-7 p.m. Evening prayer will begin at 6:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, morning prayer will begin at 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with Most Reverend Robert J. McClory presiding.
Interment is private. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel.
