Date of Birth: July 24, 1927
Date of Death: December 3, 2015
NOVAK – It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Jack Novak on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015. Jack passed away at the age of 88, lovingly surrounded by his family.
Jack was born July 24, 1927 to Frank and Catherine Novak in a church in Rockford, Sask. In 1945 his family moved to Waldron to operate the town’s general store called the Leader Store. Jack and his brother Frank, ran a trucking company where they hauled grain and other goods.
In l948 the family sold the businesses and bought a farm seven miles north of Grayson. Jack took over his parents’ debt on the farm after they retired in l954.
On May 29, 1960, Jack was blessed to marry his beautiful wife, Margaret Hollinger, who was from Neudorf. They spent the next 55 years as best friends.
Jack and Margaret went on to have five children, Bernadette, Nancy, Brenda, Kevin and Robert. Jack and Margaret worked very hard on the farm over the years. Together with their family, they created many long-lasting memories of growing up on the farm. They persevered through many personal family hardships and in1997, after their daughter Nancy passed away, Jack and Margaret retired and moved to Melville, and their son, Kevin, took over the farm.
Retirement to Jack meant a 15-mile commute to the farm every day. Despite enduring a farm accident, he always found a way to get to the farm. This love and devotion to the farm, which we ended up referring to as his “fountain of youth,” kept Jack working for another 18 years after his retirement. We are all very proud of him for this.
Jack was very proud of his grandchildren and loved every minute he could find to spend with Sara Kuntz, Kelly Moskal, Kirsten and Jared Samborski, Faith and Joshua Novak, and his great-grandchild, Leila Kuntz. His grandchildren will remember many things but fondly speak of his rainbow-coloured suspenders, kittens, baby calves and good-natured teasing with a grin and a twinkle in his eyes. Grandpa always had time for a game of hide and seek, ball, tag or any other activity he could think of that would allow him to spend precious moments with the people he loved so much. He had a sweet tooth, soft heart and a quick wit… three perfect ingredients for any grandchild to ask for.
Jack was a not a needy man. His favourite resting places were right on the ground where he was working or on the kitchen floor. He had everything he ever needed. He had wide open skies, a roof over his head, a devoted family, he got to work every day with his wife Margaret, and after an honest day’s work, he would get to do it all over again the next day. Work or play, he was around his family.
Jack loved to visit, debate and poke fun. His heart was filled with the best of intentions. Although his family and friends enriched his life for 88 years, he will continue to bless and enrich their lives for eternity.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Catherine (Appel); his daughter, Nancy Moskal (nee Novak); his sister, Mary (Ed) Gelowitz; his brother, Frank Novak; his brothers-in-law, Frank Exner, Arnold Flegel, Sam Streifel; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Audrey Litzenberger; and his in-laws, Valentine and Sophie Hollinger.
Jack leaves to mourn a loving and dedicated family: his wife, Margaret; their children, Bernadette Novak, Brenda (Bill)
Samborski, Kevin (Misty Waldbauer) Novak, Robert Novak; son-in-law, Calvin Moskal; grandchildren, Sara (Garrett) Kuntz, Kelly Moskal, Kirsten and Jared Samborski, Faith and Joshua Novak; and his great-grandchild, Leila Kuntz; his sisters, Hilda Streifel, Elizabeth Exner, Doris Flegel; and sister-in-law, Hilda Novak.
A vigil service was held for Jack on Monday, Dec.7, 2015 at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, Melville. Interment took place in St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
