John T. Nowaskie, 84, of Vincennes, IN. passed away on July 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Vincennes, IN. on March 22, 1942, to Johnny and Pauline Nowaskie. John spent his entire life in the community he loved. A graduate of Decker High School, he dedicated his life to his faith, his family and the land he proudly farmed. Best known for Nowaskie Melons, John spent decades raising watermelons, corn and soybeans. Farming was more than a career, it was his passion and calling. Above all else, John loved his family. He shared a beautiful life with his wife Doris Jane (Mouzin) Nowaskie, building a home filled with love, laughter and hard work. You would often hear him saying “If there’s a will, there’s a way. John’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Church in Vincennes, living a life rooted in faith, service and compassion. He was also a member of the Vincennes Knights of Columbus and Eagles. As a respected leader in agriculture, John served as a past President of the Illiana Watermelon Association, where he worked tirelessly to support fellow growers and promote the watermelon industry. John’s legacy is one of faith, family, and farming. He planted more than crops, he planted kindness, integrity, and values that will continue to grow through generations. He will rest peacefully knowing his land will thrive through John F., Charlie and William. He would want to leave you with one last thought, “If you cant remember me with smiles and laughter, don’t remember me at all.!”

John is survived by his children: Brenda Coffman, Suzanne Snider (John), John F. Nowaskie (Melinda) and Kristy Cardinal; his sister Judy Osborne, his sister-in-law Jean Nowaskie and brother-in-law Paul Mouzin (Amelia); his seven grandchildren Elizabeth (Quentin) Hornby, William (Brie) Coffman, Christopher Coffman, Sally Siewers (Robert), Emily Bahr (Mitchell), William and Jonathan Cardinal; nine great-grandchildren Hunter, Kynlee, Jade, Harper, Olivia, Henry, Crew, Brynn and Cam; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Doris Jane Nowaskie; his parents Johnny and Pauline Nowaskie; son-in-law William (Bobe) Coffman, brother Robert Nowaskie, brother-in-law Donnie Osborne; brother and sister-in-law Bernard and Marcella Dreiman; brother and sister-in-law Julius Jr. and Norma Mouzin, sister-in-law Bette Jones.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday July 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Vincent Parish with Fr. Tony Ernst officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife in St. Vincent Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday July 24, 2026 at Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with recitation of the rosary at 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to St Vincent Cemetery fund or St. Vincent Catholic Church. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist the Nowaskie family during their time of loss.