John Novak, of Deerbrook, died Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at Eastview Medical & Rehabilitation Center. He was 82 years old. He was born on November 30, 1928 in Antigo, a son of John and Antonia (Jira) Novak. He married Rose Marie Rohacek on August 11, 1962 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Deerbrook. She survives.
At age 12 the family moved from Antigo to Deerbrook and began farming. As a young man he left school to help on the farm, however self education was important to him all his life.
Mr. Novak served in the United States Army, stationed in Alaska where he served in the military police during the Korean War. After service he worked for several area farmers. He operated his parents dairy farm for a number of years prior to purchasing the farm in 1962. He retired from farming in 1988.
Mr. Novak was a self taught tuba and bass player having performed with the Blahnik Brothers Band and several other bands throughout the state of Wisconsin.
He had a strong Christian faith, was baptised and confirmed as an adult and served as a trustee at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Deerbrook.
Mr. Novak served on the Town of Peck town board in the 1960's and again after retirement from farming. He was a volunteer on the Town of Peck Fire Department and was honored as fireman of the year.
He co-authored and edited the book Our First One Hundred Years, a history of the town of Peck.
He served on the board of directors for the Antigo Co-op Oil Association.
Survivors including his wife are two sons Jack Novak, Deerbrook, Edward (Nataliya) Novak, Denmark; a grandchild John Novak, Denmark; two sisters Rosemary Wegter, Antigo, Bessie (Earl) Steger, Antigo; three brothers Milo Novak, Deerbrook, Anton (Lillian) Novak, Deerbrook, Joseph (Eva) Novak, Clintonville.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother in law, Folkert Wegter, and a sister in law, Laurel Novak.
A memorial visitation will be held Friday begining at 12:30 p.m. and concluding with a prayer service at 2 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date in the Town of Neva, Bohemian National Cemetery.
Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.
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Antigo, WI 54409
I deeply regret the passing of John Novak. Life is fragile. Like a snowflake it leaves. His rich, courageous life offers merits for which there is no badge. The sting of death not only pains but numbs survivors. What a blessing it will be when we can rightly ask: “Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?”—1 Corinthians 15:55. He left this world a better place. All who will mourn him will celebrate his life. Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled”. (John 14:27)
“Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.” —Anonymous
John and Rose Marie.
John and his grandson John.
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