Diana M. Nowakowski
February 9, 1953 – May 31, 2026
In accordance with her wish, cremation will take place and private family remembrances will be held. She will be laid to rest privately with Dean at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Diana Marie Nowakowski, age 73, of Richland, MI, passed away at Centrica Rose Arbor Place on May 31, 2026. She was born in Battle Creek, MI, on February 9, 1953, the daughter of the late Anthony and Irene (Goodrich) Happel. On May 31, 1975, she married the love of her life, Dean Nowakowski who preceded her in passing in 2019. They cherished 43 years of marriage together. She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Amanda “Mandy” Nowakowski of Richland, Jennifer Munting of Portage and Adam (Michelle) Nowakowski of Kalamazoo. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brynn and Zoey Munting of Portage; brother, Ed (Mary) Happel; several nieces and nephews. Diana was a kind and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She worked hard at Gull Lake Schools as a teacher’s aide, but her greatest passion was spending time with family. She was extremely proud of her granddaughters and did her best to spend as much time with them as she could. She also enjoyed spending her days in the peace and quiet of her home. Her smile, gentleness and love will be missed by all who knew her.
My dear friend, we will miss you so very much. You were our high school friend and maid of honor over 53 years ago. We watched all your kids grow up, you guys watched ours grow up, too. We shared the excitement of grandchildren and shared so many stories and photos! We lived 100 miles apart but always stayed in touch. As we aged, visits became fewer but the phone calls continued! How we cherished your love and friendship. We talked about everything in life and were support to each other. We have so many memories of our lives together, as couples and as families. You and Dean will never be replaced and will always be missed. You and your kids are in our prayers. We love you all! Dave and Brenda