MICHAEL JOHN NOWATZKI
December 29, 1951 – February 17, 2024
Michael John Nowatzki, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away at his cabin in Drasco, Arkansas on February 17, 2024. Mike or M.J., as he was later known by his railroad coworkers was the third child born to Charles and Madeline Nowatzki. He was born on December 29, 1951 in Northwood, North Dakota. He started school in Grand Forks, N.D. The family moved to Bakersfield, California when he was still in the first grade. He acclimated himself to the hot weather by swimming in the canal by his home and while fishing for crawdads.
He learned the value of the dollar at an early age by getting his first paper route when he was nine years old. More importantly, he learned skills early on that would serve him the rest of his life. He never tired of relating a story about his latest “great deal!”
Mike attended local schools in Bakersfield including St. Francis, Curran Jr. High and West High School. Mike moved with his parents to Monterey County in 1968 and he graduated from Gonzales High School in 1969. He married in 1970 and in 1971 welcomed his first daughter, Chelsea, followed by son, Chas, in 1976 and Rose in 1979.
Mike was always known as a hard worker in providing for his family. In 1974, he had the opportunity to be hired on with the Southern Pacific Railroad in Watsonville, CA. In the early years when there were frequent RR layoffs, he became an apprentice and then a journeymen electrician to earn a paycheck.
In 1989, then working with the Union Pacific Railroad, he moved back to Bakersfield to be closer to extended family. Throughout his tenure with the railroad, Mike had always been a loyal, supportive member of the United Transportation Union. In Bakersfield he became very active in UTU Local 835, representing other members with union issues. He won widespread respect for his successes in these endeavors. As testament to his invaluable efforts serving his fellow members, Mike held several important Union positions including Vice Local Chairman and President.
Mike married Georgene Travali on his birthday in 1994. In her, he had truly found his soul mate and someone who brought him so much serenity and comfort. Through their mutual love of music, particularly the “Blues” they enjoyed attending many local venues and counted many local musicians as friends. In 1999 they began traveling to the heartland of the blues, on the banks of the Mississippi in Helena, Arkansas, to attend the annual event, the “King Biscuit” Blues Festival. On one of their trips, they decided to purchase vacation property and found their cabin and several acres of wooded land in the Ozarks. While Mike was still working, the property became his and Georgene's annual vacation retreat to paradise. After his retirement in 2011, following 38 years of service, they had the luxury of spending time at the cabin in Spring and in Fall. Fishing, going to Blues Concerts, “circling the wagons” while camping and BBQ's with friends in Arkansas brought him so much joy! He had many wonderful friends in California, Arkansas and Missouri, forged through the love of music and the Blues!
Learning of his illness on his last trip to Arkansas, Mike was resolute in his determination to beat it. He battled extremely hard for a handful of months before it overcame him.
Mike truly loved his family, friends and celebrating all the gatherings and family events. He will be missed deeply and remembered by all those who knew his integrity, loyalty, generosity, kindness, humble heart, humor, quick wit and his famous barbequed ribs!
He leaves behind his loving wife, Georgene Nowatzki, who was deep in the trenches with him during his last months. He also leaves his son, Chas Nowatzki, daughter Rose (Rob) Thulin, and son Cody Brazeal. His grandchildren include Brandon Larkin, Bradley and Daemon Nowatzki (Mila Shank), Arlo Livernois, Ethan and Jared Thulin, Breelyn and Brodie Brazeal, Brynnlee Gratt, and Brooke (Cody) Taylor. Mike also leaves his brother Stephen (Kay) Nowatzki and his sister Cindy Gill. Also, many nephews and nieces.
Mike was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Chelsea Larkin and his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 4 – 8pm, at Pyrenees Cafe. All friends and family are welcome.