Maralee Nowak Obituary (1946 - 2025)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Maralee (Lee) Nowak, a beacon of inspiration, creativity, and love, on December 19, 2025. Born in Fremont, NE, on November 28, 1946, . Lee lived a remarkable journey, marked by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to imparting knowledge. A talented teacher, she served the world of education in various capacities, touching the lives of countless students from the two-room, country school in Valley in 1972 to her retirement from the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a Master Educator in 1998. Lee was a loving mother, a thoughtful friend, and a passionate hobbyist. Her creative streak and love of the arts shone through in her paintings, sketches, writing and piano playing. Always seeking beauty, Lee also loved interior decorating and nurturing her flowers and gardens where she loved to enjoy Nebraska's sunrises and sunsets. As a Museum Docent for MONA, a dedicated member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and President of the Lincoln Women's Association, Lee's impact went beyond her family and friends, reaching into the heart of her community. She was also a deeply spiritual woman, sharing God's word and uplifting others with her wisdom and faith. And after all that, she still managed to set and hold the family record for largest Bass caught at 6.8 pounds. Lee is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Barry Nowak, her sons Andrew Nowak (53) of Cincinnati, OH and Adam Nowak (47) of Seattle, WA, and her three grand children, Harper (16), Frank (14) and Ella (13). She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Faye Morgan and her step mother Elizabeth Morgan. Above all, what mattered most to Lee were family, friends, laughter, and joy. Her life was a testament to the power of love, the value of education, and the beauty of living fully. Please join us in celebrating the life of Lee Nowak. We encourage you to share your memories of her and upload photos to her memorial page, to keep her spirit alive in our hearts. Lee’s love for life, her passion for teaching, and her dedication to her community will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched.