J. Novakowski Services Held
James John Novakowski, 54, of Grand Island, died on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island. The Reverend Marty L. Egging celebrated the Mass. Jeanne Allen and the Blessed Sacrament Funeral Choir sang. Oscar Erives served as the accompanist. Musical selections included “How Great Thou Art”, “All Is Well With My Soul”, “One Bread, One Body”, and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”. Burial was in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Island. Casket bearers were Carolynne Lafrenz, Mike Gorecki, Scott Gallaway, Rosie Fruchtl, Matt Gorecki, and Wade Kroeger.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul assisted the family.
James was born on March 23, 1968, in St. Paul, the son of John “Jack” and Janette (Kosmicki) Novakowski. He received his education in Broken Bow, St. Paul, and Grand Island, graduating from Grand Island Senior High with the Class of 1989. Following graduation, he was employed at Wal-Mart for twenty-two years. After his employment at Wal-Mart, James volunteered at Salvation Army and, later, contracted with Mid-Nebraska Individual Services to work at Case New Holland. He had a good work ethic and was a dependable employee. He was proud to live independently and to have a job. Some of James’ favorite things were watching sports, eating out, organizing things—especially his closet—donuts after church, the chicken dance, and DQ Oreo Blizzards— medium size, small wouldn’t do! His favorite teams were the Huskers, Kansas City Chiefs, the Cardinals, and any team LeBron James was on. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Mary Novakowski of Grand Island; and two sisters and brothersin- law, Jacqueline and Ron Gorecki of Dannebrog and Janice and Greg Gallaway of Overland Park, Kansas; nieces and nephews, Mike, Melinda, Matt, Scott, Kristin, Nicole, and Staci; and ten great-nieces and great-nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, John “Jack” and Janette Novakowski; and his grandparents, Alex and Rose Kosmicki and John and Clara Novakowski.