Eugene "Gene" Nowak

Eugene Nowak, age 86 of Belle Plaine, passed away on August 31, 2022.  A celebration of his life will take place from 2:00-5:00p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Cindy’s Kitchen in Belle Plaine.  Please join the family in sharing stories, memories, food and fellowship.  Memorials are preferred.

Eugene Charles Nowak was born in Winnebago, MN on August 27, 1936, to Paul and Margaret (Dennis) Nowak.  He grew up in Winnebago and attended school there. Gene married Shirley Rice and together they had six children. Gene was involved in various businesses including cross-country semi-truck driving and he opened and operated the Skelly Station in Belle Plaine. Gene married Diane Karnitz and together they owned and operated a gift & craft shop in Belle Plaine and Gene perfected his crafting artistry with participation in many regional shows during these years. In 1993, Gene married Cynthia Hennen at Our Lady of the Prairie church. Together they had three children and continued with the crafting business. Gene also became an amazing gardener showcasing the fruits of their labor at local farmers markets and, with great pride and pleasure, in 2007 Gene and Cindy opened and continued to operate Cindy’s Kitchen in Belle Plaine.

Gene had many interests and joys throughout his life including fishing, John Wayne movies, card playing, road trips, bird watching, gardening, raising a family and visiting with friends and family. The greatest of pleasures has been the years at Cindy’s Kitchen with the opportunity to enjoy socializing with old and new friends on a daily basis.

Gene is survived by wife Cindy, and their children Jacob, Robert and Alex, also children Toni, Bonnie, Tammy, Keith, Jerry and Randy, siblings, many grand-children, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration is planned for Sunday, September 11th from 2:00-5:00pm at Cindy’s Kitchen in Belle Plaine. Please stop by to share a story or two and fond memories in celebration of Gene’s life.