Joseph Francis Novak III, also known as "Little Joe" or "Jovak" of Antigo, passed away on March 4, 2025, at Aspirus Langlade Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 66 years old. He was born on March 28, 1958, a son of Joe and Mary (Koss) Novak in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He married the love of his life, Kelly Bohlman, on May 28th, 1988 at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffman officiating.
Joe graduated from Antigo High School in 1976. He entered into the mechanic trade. He worked just under 30 years at Northern Auto, which became Carquest, then shortly at the Langlade County Highway Department. He was a member of the Norwood Fire Department and served on the Langlade County Board for about a decade. He had a passion for helping and serving others.
He enjoyed the outdoors whether it be hunting, fishing, camping, or trapping. He loved tinkering on his cars, including his favorite 1972 Chevelle, and attending car shows. He had a great knowledge of vehicles and how they ran. He could fix just about anything, just like his dad. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, which brought great joy to all who knew him. He was always thinking of others' well-being.
He battled greatly with a severe form of multiple sclerosis, but he did not let this define him. He is now free of his disability and ailments, able to walk down the wooded trails for blackberry picking, or putting the pedal to the metal with a muscle car, revving up the engine.
In addition to his wife Kelly, he is survived by his son, Dr. Joseph Novak IV (wife Dr. Hilary Steltenpohl) and grandson, Owen Michael Novak who knew his grandfather as "Poppy Joe", just as his dad would be called by Joseph IV. They were his everything.
He is further survived by his siblings, Kathy (Don) Solin of Deerbrook, Tom (Karen) Novak of Antigo, and Julie (Mike) Vesel of Schofield along with nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. Whenever he saw the great nieces and nephews, he gave them a dollar. He loved spending time with them and they will fondly remember their Great Uncle Joe. He is also survived by his in-laws Rita (Marty) Swanson, Jacqueline (Bill) Lescher, Katherine (John) Rew, Patricia (Charles) Poeschl, Duane "Buster" Bohlman Jr., and Scott (Roz) Bohlman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Duane Bohlman and his mother-in-law, Anne Robinson. Also, his maternal grandparents, Anton and Agnes Koss, and paternal grandparents, Joe and Mary Novak; dear cousin and son's godmother, Cathy Michels; many loving family and friends, and beloved dog Angel.
Special thanks to his Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan Novak for always being "on-call" to help in any time of need.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 10 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with the Very Rev. Joel Sember and Rev. Charles Hoffmann concelebrating.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. parish wake service at the Bradley Funeral Home and on Saturday, March 8 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church in Hoffmann Hall.
You can join us virtually for Mass on Saturday at https://www.youtube.com/@AntigoAreaCatholicChurches/streams
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joseph F. Novak, III, please visit our Tribute Store
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Antigo, WI 54409
Visitation
Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
We have only the kindest and best thoughts of our cousin Joe! With sincere sympathy from Sue Swinick, John Cash, Richard Cash, Bob Cash and families. 3 trees were planted in memory of Joseph F. Novak, III Plant a Tree
To my nephew and kind cousin Joe, may this cluster of trees represent your constant giving to others and completion of the circle of life . 3 trees were planted in memory of Joseph F. Novak, III Plant a Tree
Kelly, Joe, Hillary, Owen and family: Heaven gained one special angel. We will miss Joe. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The Tony Koss Family 3 trees were planted in memory of Joseph F. Novak, III Plant a Tree
What does one say about a humble, generous, loving, and joyous cousin whom always put others first. Joe, the number of times you texted me and called me inquiring about how Uncle Vic or how Dan and my kids were unfortunately outweighed the number of times I reached out to you. For that I will always be sad about. No matter how long the time between our phone conversations were warm and intimate. You always got to the heart of the subject right away. As I told you over and over, your parents are so proud of the how you lived your life, handled your challenges and the wonderful man you became. I feel I am a better person that I could call you my cousin and friend. Many people will miss you but hold your memory dear to their heart. God Bless
Our thoughts are with you and your family. We will always remember Joe and are grateful for his wonderful friendship.
Memorial Tree was purchased for the family of Joseph F. Novak, III by Eric and Amy Schreiber.
Gary and I send our prayers to you Kelly and Joe and family for strength and comfort. Joe was a kindhearted man who always asked about how things were going and truly was concerned. He loved his family and community and worked hard in every endeavor he undertook. His bright light will be missed by the community. It will live on in the hearts of all he touched. Bless you all.
Ron and I send our sympathies to your family. Joe was a wonderful person and always had a smile for everyone he met. He will be missed. God bless 🙏
We are so very sorry for your loss. Joe was a wonderful man always caring about everyone else and expressing his gratitude for doing our jobs. He always put others first. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Such a nice man. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Kelly, "Little Joe", Hilary & Owen;
You already know better than anyone how important you were/are to Joe; you gave him joy, hope, and purpose. Joe was an extremely kind and considerate person who truly cared about the well being of those around him and humanity as a whole.
Even when dealing with his own struggles and limitations - if there was something he could do to help - then that's what he did! I will always remember his smile and courage as he attempted to do what he felt was in the best interest of the people he represented.
I remember when he would start tinkering with something - trying to figure out a better way to make it work, or realizing that I'd put it together wrong - he never pointed out that I did it wrong, he simply put it back together and made sure it met my needs and functioned as it should. "
I will miss Joe giving me a call just to "check in" or offer his appreciation and to say "good job, thanks for all you do." Now it's my turn to say "Job well done Joe, thank you for demonstrating courage, compassion and sincere kindness.
RIP Joe; Out sympathies to the family
Steve, Kathy Jensen
We are sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We were classmates of Joe's and when we think of him what comes to mind is, "Joe was such a nice guy!" Our Heartfelt Sympathy to his Family. Rest in Peace Joe.
Ron and Barb (Cejka) Strube
With deepest sympathy & heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire family. Rest in peace Joe.
Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Joseph F. Novak, III by Mark & Bobbie Malzahn. 
A tree was also planted in memory of Joseph F. Novak, III
I have always thought the world of Joe- he truly was a wonderful person and a stand- up guy. I am so very sorry for your loss! May you find comfort knowing how loved and respected Joe was by everyone who knew him.
I am so sorry to hear this. Kelly and family, my heart goes out to you and I'm glad to have been able to chat with you and Joe not too long ago. Joe was a good man. I am so sorry for your loss.
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