How Jolene’s Angels Turned Loss Into Local Hope

From the Don’t Quote Me podcast by Marshfield Insurance Agency

At Marshfield Insurance Agency, we believe some of the most meaningful stories in central Wisconsin are the ones rooted in compassion, resilience, and community. In a recent episode of Don’t Quote Me, host Nick Arnoldy sat down with James, Carson, and Addie Nowak to talk about the heart behind Jolene’s Angels, a benefit that has become a powerful force for local families facing serious illness and hardship.

What started as a way to honor the life of Jolene Nowak has grown into something much bigger: a community tradition that continues to lift up families in need, one year at a time.

Watch above or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

A Family’s Journey Through Heartbreak

Jolene was remembered during the conversation as a deeply caring person, someone who always put others first. Her children described her as one of the nicest people you could ever meet. James shared that she was a therapist by profession, but her compassion extended far beyond her work. Caring for people was simply who she was.

The Nowak family’s journey changed in late 2019, when Jolene began experiencing headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms that led to a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. What followed was a long and difficult battle filled with treatment, moments of hope, remission, and heartbreaking recurrence.

James described the emotional weight of thinking they had beaten it, only to have the cancer return. Through multiple rounds of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and specialized care in Milwaukee, the family held on to hope as long as they could. Eventually, Jolene made the decision to stop treatment and focus on spending her remaining time with the people she loved most.

It is the kind of experience that forever changes a family.

The Advice They Now Share With Others

When asked what advice they would offer families facing a similar diagnosis, the answers were simple and deeply moving.

• Take the time you have and use it.
• Do not take those moments for granted.
• Live every moment as fully as you can.

James also spoke about the importance of taking a step back, taking a breath, and thinking carefully about how to move forward, who should be part of the journey, and how to face what comes next with purpose and support.

That honesty is part of what makes this story so powerful. It is not just about loss. It is also about what a family chooses to do with that loss.

How Jolene’s Angels Began

After Jolene passed away in 2020, the family faced another difficult reality: because of COVID, they could not have the kind of traditional gathering many families lean on during grief. Jolene had wanted a celebration of life more than a formal service, and as family and close friends began planning that gathering, an idea took shape.

Why not turn the event into a benefit that could help another family in need?

That was the beginning of Jolene’s Angels.

The name came together naturally. Someone described Jolene as an angel, and soon her name was attached to the cause. What was initially expected to be a one-time event quickly became something much more lasting.

Each year, the benefit has become another way to keep Jolene’s spirit alive while helping others through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

What Makes This Benefit Different

There are many worthwhile causes and charitable events in our area, but Jolene’s Angels stands apart for one important reason: the money stays local.

James explained that every dollar raised goes back to individuals and families in the community who are facing serious illness or hardship. The committee takes great care in choosing recipients, often looking for people who share the same selfless qualities Jolene had.

Over the years, Jolene’s Angels has supported multiple families, many of them dealing with cancer, while also helping others facing different serious medical challenges. In some cases, families who received help even asked that some of the money be passed along to others in need.

That spirit of generosity helping generosity is part of the event’s identity now.

A Growing Impact in Central Wisconsin

What began with one event raising around $25,000 has grown into an incredible community effort. According to the podcast conversation, Jolene’s Angels has raised approximately $180,000 to date, with hopes of surpassing $200,000 this year.

That kind of impact does not happen by accident.

It takes volunteers, sponsors, friends, local businesses, and community members who show up year after year because they believe in helping their neighbors. It also takes a strong team behind the scenes.

James credited the planning committee for helping make the event sustainable, with a mix of people who bring organization, marketing, sponsorship outreach, and heart to the table. More importantly, he said each person involved either knew Jolene or reflects some of the qualities she carried with her.

That makes the work personal.

Jolene’s Legacy Lives On Through Her Children

One of the most touching parts of the episode was hearing Carson and Addie reflect on the ways their mom still lives on in them.

Carson shared that he still connects with the reading they used to do together. Addie said people often tell her that her smile and laugh remind them of her mom. James added that both children carry Jolene’s instinct to put others first.

Now, they are helping shape the future of the benefit themselves.

While James admitted he had considered ending the event after reaching some of the donation goals he originally set, Carson and Addie had other plans. Both made it clear they want Jolene’s Angels to continue helping as many families as possible.

For them, the event is not only a way to give back to a community that helped their family. It is also a way to celebrate their mom and make sure her memory continues doing good.

This Year’s Event Details

This year’s Jolene’s Angels benefit will support Christine Federitz, who is facing a serious liver-related illness.

Event Details:
Saturday, April 11
Bakerville Sports Bar
Starting at noon

Guests can expect a full day of activity, including:

• Purse bingo
• Raffles and raffle baskets
• Silent auction items
• 50/50 drawings
• A wine pull
• Live music
• Food, drinks, and community fun

The entertainment lineup includes the Jerry Schmidt Band in the afternoon and Black Hole Suns later in the evening.

The event is open to everyone. You do not need to know the Nowak family personally to attend. You just need to want to be part of something good.

Sponsorships and Raffle Tickets

The podcast also highlighted that sponsorship opportunities are still available at several levels, making it a great opportunity for local businesses and individuals to support a meaningful cause while being part of a well-attended community event.

Raffle tickets are also available, and you do not need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased through Marshfield Insurance, and those interested in sponsoring can reach out through the Jolene’s Angels Facebook page or by email.

A Reminder of What Community Really Means

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode was not just the story of one family. It was the story of what happens when a whole community decides to show up.

Jolene’s Angels is about remembering a woman who made people feel cared for. It is about helping families carry burdens they should not have to carry alone. And it is about proving that even after deep loss, love can keep moving forward through action.

As Nick said near the close of the episode, it is amazing how one life can continue changing other lives long after it is gone.

That is exactly what Jolene’s Angels is doing.

If you have never attended before, this may be the year to join in.

Join Us

We hope to see you at Jolene’s Angels on April 11 at Bakerville Sports Bar, starting at noon.

Come for the music, the raffles, the bingo, and the fun. Stay for the purpose behind it all.

Because when central Wisconsin comes together, incredible things happen.