Louis “Ski” Nawolski, 77, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with his children by his side.

In July, after dropping off his granddaughter at the Valdosta airport, Ski suffered a fall that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Despite the odds, he survived those critical first five days, and his family was grateful to be given six more weeks with him. When his body grew tired, he passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his children.

Ski was born August 19, 1949, in Bad Mergentheim, Germany, to the late Margaret and Josef Nawolski. At the age of six, he came to the United States, where he would go on to build a life defined by service, hard work, family, generosity, and plenty of laughter.

He proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force, including during the Vietnam era, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his military career, Ski began a second career with the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier. He took great pride in his work and, over the years, came to know many of the residents and businesses along his route. After 30 years with the Postal Service, he proudly retired at the age of 70.

Ski loved to fish, and some of his children's and grandchildren's favorite memories are of time spent fishing with him—along with plenty of stories about the fishing trips that went well and the ones that did not. He was also a lifelong aviation enthusiast who could happily talk about airplanes and share his knowledge with anyone willing to listen.

More than anything, Ski will be remembered for the way he made people feel. He was generous with those he met and always seemed to have a joke ready when someone needed a smile. He found joy in making people laugh and brightening their day, and that simple kindness became one of the ways he showed he cared.

Ski is survived by his daughter, Heather Nawolski (Scott Giannunzio) of Oneida, Wisconsin; his son, Corey Nawolski (Jennifer Beal, AMFDIL) of Valdosta; his sister, Wanda Lacroix of Holyoke, Massachusetts; his granddaughters, Georgia Giannunzio and Gianah Giannunzio, both of Oneida, Wisconsin; and longtime family friend Charlie Harrison of Valdosta.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Nawolski; his parents, Margaret and Josef Nawolski; and his sister, Doris Lemagdelaine.

No services are planned at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor Ski, share stories and celebrate the impact he had on the people fortunate enough to know him.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.mclanecares.com. In lieu of flowers, tell someone a joke and brighten their day. Ski would have liked that.