Paul Nowak

Paul Franz Nowak

Born April 25, 1934

Died July 25, 2024

Paul was born to Barbara and Gus Nowak and grew up in Highland Park and Detroit, Michigan.

He graduated from Redford High School and continued his education at Highland Park Junior College and Wayne State University, earning a master’s degree in science education. He taught for the Detroit school system for several years. He continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he completed a PhD at the School of Natural Resources. During this time, he met and married Joan Louise Fryzel, the love of his life for 62 years. Together, they raised two children, Patricia Ann and Paul Franz. The family relocated to Carbondale, Illinois, where Paul taught at Southern Illinois University. When the opportunity presented itself to return to the School of Natural Resources at U-M, the family moved to Ann Arbor, and Paul taught there until his retirement. As a professor at the U-M, he ran a program called the National Consortium for Environmental Education and Training, a US EPA-funded program, for several years. Upon retirement, Paul and Joan relocated to Charlevoix. Paul was a big fan of University of Michigan football and basketball, as well as other sports. He enjoyed all the games – cribbage with Jonathan Friendly, poker with Ken Polakowski and fellow U-M professors, and blackjack at the casino. Paul played squash against his fellow faculty in a league at the Campus Recreation Building. This summer, he was dealt the perfect cribbage hand after 40 years of playing the game.

Paul owned a 1952 MG TD that he drove off and on since 1955, including to his first date with his wife Joan. He painted this car several times and rebuilt the engine both when he first bought it and in the 1980s when the crankshaft cracked in half going around a corner. Even with a cracked crankshaft, the car made the trip home. He was on the board at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, the Historical Society, and was on the boat counting committee for the Charlevoix Lake Association. Paul was an avid camper and boater, taking his family on camping trips throughout Michigan and Canada and as far as Arizona and California when the kids were young. He loved being outdoors with family and friends. Paul always had a dog by his side and cherished his pets. His beloved dogs included Tippy, Scooter, Ginger, Webber, and Camber. They were his loyal companions and brought immense joy to his life.

Paul will be remembered as a dedicated educator and environmentalist who inspired countless students and colleagues through his passion for teaching and commitment to environmental conservation. His work with the National Consortium for Environmental Education and Training left a lasting impact on the field. His contributions to the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and the Charlevoix Lake Association demonstrated his dedication to preserving Michigan’s natural resources. Paul’s love for life, his family, and his community will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will also be fondly remembered for his adventurous spirit, whether it was driving his cherished 1952 MG TD or exploring the great outdoors on camping and boating trips with his loved ones.

Paul is survived by a large extended family, including many nieces and nephews, who will miss him dearly. A memorial celebration is planned for spring 2025. If you wish to make a memorial donation, please consider the Lake Charlevoix Association, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, or the Humane Society in Boyne City.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com