Romelle “Mel” Nowak (nee Turowski)

Romelle “Mel” Nowak (nee Turowski) was born to eternal life on Jan. 27, 2026, at the age of 93 at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at noon at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, 1619 Washington St., Grafton. Visitation will take place on Wednesday at the church from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Father Tim Schumaker will officiate.

Guests are invited to lunch after Mass at the Rose-Harms American Legion Post 355 at 1540 13th Ave., Grafton, Wis.

A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery for immediate family.

Romelle Turowski was born on Aug. 31, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wis., 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 Wisconsin Electric Co.

She met her beau ice skating and married Ardell Leo Nowak on Oct. 13, 1951. He preceded her in death in 1991.

In her late 20s, 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 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. A State of Wisconsin citation from the Assembly recognized her for her for involvement in the Grafton Girl Scout Association, GHS Booster Club, St. Joseph’s Church and various other volunteer organizations.

In 2010, she was awarded a certificate of appreciation from the Zablocki VA Medical Center for her exceptional support of the Milwaukee VA Women Veterans Health Program. In 2015, the Village of Grafton approved resolution No. 035 commending Mel on her 50 years of service as she assisted the Police Department as a crossing guard.  She was involved with Safety Town and the American Legion.

During this time, 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) of Fremont, Wis., and Dave Nowak (Debbi) of Willard, Wis., and daughter Brenda Brewster (nee Nowak) of Port Washington. She had eight grandchildren, Brian Nowak (Kara), Christopher Nowak (Natasha), Benjamin Nowak (Kayla), Michelle Nowak Pingel (Steve), Tanya Nowak Schulteis (Jody), Patrick Nowak, Michael Brewster (Kristin) and Eric Brewster (Erin).  She was blessed with 18 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, care of St. Joseph Parish, Grafton; the Rose-Harms American Legion Auxiliary Post 355; or Manitou Girl Scout Campership Fund, Grafton, are appreciated.

Please see muellerfuneralhome.com for online condolences.