04/25/2022
Randy Lawrence Nowak died unexpectedly on April 10 2022.
Randy was born to the late Raymond and Alma Nowak in Wausau WI on March 22nd 1954. Randy spent his childhood growing up in Merrill WI and graduating from Merrill Senior High school. Randy had a love for cars and antiques of all kinds. Randy's many talents was able to make friends and the gift of gab. Which made him a great car salesman.
Randy had many loves throughout his life, with his first giving him an amazing son (Corey) in the late 70's. In the early 80s Randy made his way to Vero beach Florida. While in Florida he found himself selling cars, eventually owning a used car dealership. Randy even at times found himself being a general contractor. Randy and his brother Rod spent many years living and working together sharing the same love for antiques and ran a business together selling antiques and some odd and unusual things you may have seen in his shops.
In February of 2002 he found his way to the Suburbs of Chicago assisting his brother Rick with many projects as he made roots in Barrington IL. During this time Randy's Automotive became a local household name. Randy's Automotive is where he made many new and wonderful friendships if not best friends that considered him family. Randy's business and love for antiques saw his business change from Randy's Automotive to Randy's Automotive and Restoration. It was around this time Randy found the love of his life Laura, who helped and assisted Randy grow his business. Laura brought a son (Ian) into Randy's life, who Randy adored, loved and adopted to be his own. Randy, Laura and Ian enjoyed having time away from the shop. Spending quality time relaxing and enjoying movie nights together. With Randy's love of God along with his big heart, he would find a way to help anyone who asked. A free spirit who was able to weave the most captivating stories of his travels , adventurers, eccentric collections and businesses. At any time one would always find him surrounded by and entertaining friends and family. Randy had an undeniable love for Nascar Races and made time to watch them whenever he had a chance.
Spending the many of his middle age years fighting numerous medical issues from lung, heart, and skin. Cancer being his biggest battle of his life, which he always won with every encounter thanks to his exceptional treatment and care provided at Northwestern Hospital, he unexpectedly passed peacefully at home in his sleep after enjoying a fun evening with family.
Randy is Survived by his wife Laura Nowak Cary IL, Sons: Corey (Jenell) Nowak Merrill WI, Ian Nowak Cary IL. Two almost as handsome Brothers Rick (Debbie) Nowak Palatine IL, Rod Nowak Vero Beach FL and a Sister Rae Jean Kaatz Hudson WI. One Grandson Cutler Nowak Merrill WI. Nephews and Nieces Jason Nowak (Jessica Boschman), Becky (Jeffery)Phillips, Allison (Scott) Whitcomb, Jeff (Barb) Kaatz, Jane(Bob) Ropella, Jodie (Jim) Verbenke, Jamie (Jenny) Kaatz, Krista (Kieth) Waters.
Preceded in death by his loving parents Raymond and Alma Nowak and his first Grandson Coltin Nowak.
A memorial service is being planned for May 28th at
Randy's Automotive and Restoration
28034 West Industrial Avenue Ste 3
Lake Barrington, IL 60010
