The Nowitzkes: Deep Roots in the Shumway

By Jennifer Hinterscher

Shawn and Adrian (Donaldson) Nowitzke’s love story began in an unconventional way. Shawn's sister, Shelley was Adrian's hairdresser and during an appointment, Adrian kept noticing a "handsome guy" in Shelley's canoeing trip photos. 

“That’s my baby brother,” Shelley said. “Want to meet him?” 

Adrian said yes, gave Shelley her number, and finally heard from Shawn three months later. When he did call to set up a date, Adrian almost sent a friend to meet him in her place. 

Fate stepped in and their first date was at Christmastime in 2002. “And the rest is history,” Adrian said. They married on Dec. 31, 2005, and will celebrate their 20th anniversary in a few months. Over the years, the Nowitzkes have made great memories, including a favorite pastime: attending country concerts together. An especially significant concert was seeing Rascal Flatts, whose song “Bless the Broken Road” was their wedding song.

Shawn graduated from Centralia High School before receiving a welding certificate from Kaskaskia College. He works on the Installation Team at Jansen’s Heating and Air Conditioning. “He loves the family-centered approach Jansen’s has and truly feels valued as a member of their team,” Adrian said. 

Shawn has a knack for troubleshooting things that break and has always had an interest infixing electronics. “He’s our handyman, our grill master and our go-to for just about anything,” Adrian said. 

Adrian graduated in 2000 from Beecher City High School. During high school, she discovered the benefits of massage therapy and later furthered her education at Southwestern Illinois College (Massage Therapy, 2002), Lakeview College of Nursing (BSN, 2007), SIUE (MSN in Anesthesia, 2013) and Beautiphi Academy (Aesthetic Medicine, 2020). 

“I’ve worked in healthcare since 2000 and have been a practicing CRNA since 2014,” she said. “I launched Behold Aesthetics and Wellness Center in 2022, with locations in Effingham and Vandalia. Our mission is rooted in the Revelations 21:5 verse, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ We strive to help clients look naturally refreshed and feel confident.”

The Nowitzkes channeled their entrepreneurial spirit together in 2024 by launching Casa Estates, a short-term rental business on Lake Centralia. Their lakefront property, Campfire Cove, features a beautiful cabin and three rentable campsites with a private dock. 

“We also use this space to give back, donating weekend stays to local fundraising auctions,” Shawn said.

Amid their busy schedules, Shawn and Adrian set aside time to make memories with their children. Their oldest son Jordon, lives in Hoyleton with his son, Bennett. Jordan earned an associate degree in Welding Technology from Kaskaskia College and works at EFI Solutions in Centralia. 

Their son, Conner, began his freshman year at Lake Land College, studying Business Administration. He founded Nowitzke Lawn Care through the CEO program and enjoys caring for local lawns.

Adilynn is a sophomore at Beecher City High School. She babysits and works at Adventure Camp through the Effingham Park District. She has spent hours braiding hair over the summer and earned the nickname “Addie the Baddie” from the kids. She is excited to welcome Sevan, her foreign exchange sister from Lyon, France to the family this school year. 

The entire family enjoys sports, with Shawn and Jordon touting long-distance running accolades from their high school years. Conner played center field for the CHBC Bobcats and currently plays for Shelby County Senior Legion, Post 611. He enjoys pickleball and has been part of the three-time champion team in the Christopher B. Donaldson Memorial Kickball Tournament.

Adilynn plays volleyball for CHCB and Rapid Fire, runs the 200M and 4x100 relay in track, cheered for CHBC, and recently found a love for drama through her role in the school play. Although Adrian is now a full-time fan, she also had an athletic career, playing volleyball, softball and cheering during high school. 

The Nowitzkes also make time for their favorite activities. Shawn loves fantasy baseball, fixing electronics and keeping the yard pristine. He and Jordon love hunting and crappie fishing, and have done so in Illinois, Tennessee, Texas and Kentucky. Conner enjoys hunting and deep-sea fishing, as well as riding jet skis and ATVs. He and his grandpa are visiting all the MLB stadiums and have been to 13 so far. 

Adilynn also loves jet skiing, as well as baking, shopping and all things skincare. She caught the concert bug from her parents, with her favorites consisting of Benson Boone, Taylor Swift and Forrest Frank. Adrian loves traveling, hiking – especially to waterfalls – and spending quality time outdoors with her family. 

The Nowitzke family is completed by two lovable dogs: Smokie, a six-year-old black and white Sheepadoodle and Scout, a six-month-old tri-colored Mini Australian Shepherd. Although there’s a bit of an age difference, the pups are best friends and love racing through the family yard with their zoomies. 

Those zoomie sessions take place in rural Shumway, where the Nowitzkes have lived since March 2011. Their home, locally known as “the house with the lions,” was built in 1988 by the late Gary Bartels. “I played here as a child and now it’s our family hub for friends, cousins and summertime pool fun,” Adrian said. 

The family moved from Effingham to be closer to family and Beecher City School District. “We love this peaceful spot and our wonderful ‘country neighbors,’” Shawn said. 

In addition to their neighbors, the Nowitzkes are active in several community causes. Some of these include New Hope Church and One-Eighty youth ministry, Beecher City Education Foundation, 100+ Women Who Care of Effingham County, BNI R.I.S.E. Business Group, the Downtown Effingham Business Group and Beecher City Corn Fest, where their children participated in the “Greasy Pig” contest. 

“Our kids have all caught a pig,” Shawn said.

A recent project that is dear to Shawn and Adrian is the Walker & Rosie Bryan Memorial Fun Park. This year those involved raised $200,000 toward a new bicycle pump rack. 

When they aren’t immersed in community and school activities, the Nowitzkes are on the hunt for the next adventure. Together they have explored the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean. 

“Next year we plan to visit France and dream of one day seeing Australia together,” Shawn said. “Whether hiking, snorkeling or boating, we value time outdoors together.”

Overall, the Nowitzkes have mastered the balance of hard work, play and giving back. “We’re proud to call this community home,” Adrian said. “We’re especially grateful to our school system, educators and neighbors for pouring into the lives of our kids and others.”

When you see the Nowitzke family in the Effingham area, be sure to say hello!