Regina A. Nowak

Regina Anne Nowak (Kaub), of Toledo passed away of natural causes on June 16th, 2024, at 102 years old.

Regina was born to Franz and Katarina Kaub (Meyer) on May 13th, 1922, in Saarland, Germany. As one of six children raised in the suburbs of Frankfurt, she was an outgoing and dependable child, playing a supporting role in the rearing and nurturing of her siblings – from helping them with their schoolwork to protecting them from village bullies. To help her family following the Second World War, Regina worked in support of the U.S. Army in Stuttgart before immigrating to the United States in 1952. Immigrating to northwestern Ohio, where she had some extended family, Regina quickly assimilated into the Toledo community and worked hard to establish herself in America; she was a lifelong member of the German American Festival and Bavarian Sports Club of Toledo.

She ultimately met the love of her life in the late-1950s, marrying Ludwig Karl Nowak (†, April 18th, 2021) in 1960. Over 61 years of marriage, Regina and Louie had two children, Barbara (Julian) Vogelgesang and Mark Nowak, and embodied love, friendship, and commitment. In 1971, Regina and Louie bought George’s Nite Club on Broadway in South Toledo and operated the establishment as a team for the next 28 years. Regina was well known amongst her customers and business community as someone with great integrity, a passion for life, and genuine care for others.

Following her retirement in 1999, Regina was able to devote more time to two of her lifelong passions: her family and her flowers. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, she adored spending time with those closest to her, laughing and enjoying her delicious cooking for which she was well known. And just as an artist paints on canvas, her yard was the medium used to express her creativity and love of nature; this passion surely helped to extend her life, as she continued to cut her lawn and tend her flowers well into her 90s. Regina was also a loyal and selfless friend to many, quick to respond in times of need and to celebrate moments of triumph or achievement. When asked about her longevity at her 100th birthday party, Regina credited, “a good husband and loving marriage, quality time with family, and as little stress as possible” to her long life. Regina was an incredible woman and deeply loved by her family and friends. She left the world a better place than she entered it, and positively impacted all who knew her. While she will be deeply missed by those she has left behind, she has finally reunited with her beloved husband in heaven and may rest.

Mrs. Nowak is survived by her daughter, Barbara; son, Mark; grandchildren, Heide Anteau (Todd), Christine Roe (Scott), Holly Urbina (Tony), Kurt Nowak (Brianne), and Michael Nowak; 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. A memorial will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 29th, at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, with a follow-on celebration of life at the Bavarian Club of Toledo, 2102 Lagrange Street, Toledo from 12:00 - 3:00 pm. The family suggests any memorials, donations, or arrangements be sent to the Bavarian Club of Toledo.