Joseph J. "Joey Doughnut" Nowak, age 76, of Eastlake, MI, died Thursday morning, September 26, 2024 at his home with his family at his side.

He was born on May 14, 1948 in Manistee, Michigan and was the son of the late Harry and Sophie (Graczyk) Nowak. He was a graduate of Manistee High School with the class of 1966. Joe served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from March 6, 1968 until February 28, 1970. He married Debra A. Helminiak in Manistee, Michigan on October 19, 2007. Joe was employed with the Morton Salt Company in Manistee for 43 years, until his retirement in 2008.

He is survived by his wife, Debra A. Nowak of Eastlake, MI, his sister's in-laws and brother's in-laws, Jean Nowak, Theresa (Leonard) Cabot, Carol (Jon) Hansen, Mary Jane Helminiak, and Brenda Helminiak, his brother's in-laws and sister's in-laws, Dale (Geri) Helminiak, Thomas (Diane) Helminiak, Kevin (Jeanne) Helminiak and Paul (Stacey) Helminiak. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Sophie Nowak, two brothers, William and Thomas Nowak, his brother in-law, Peter "Pete" Helminiak and his nephew Bryan Helminiak.

Private family graveside services took place on Tuesday morning, October 1, 2024 at 10:00 am at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Manistee with Pastor Joyce Newman officiating. Military Honors were also given by the members of the Manistee County United Veterans Council, Ritual Squad.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee was in charge of funeral arrangements.