Andrew L. Novak of Protivin, died Friday, December 7, 2007 at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco, Iowa, where he has made his home since January, after a long illness. He was 80 years of age.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Conway Funeral Home in Protivin from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Monday and for one hour before the services on Tuesday. There will be a Scripture Service at 5 P.M. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6 P.M. on Monday.
Andrew Lewis Novak was born on November 30, 1927, in Winneshiek County on the family farm, the son of Lewis and Annie (Frana) Novak. He was baptized on December 4, 1927 by Rev. Louis B. Kucera. Andy attended school in Protivin graduating in 1945 from Rudolphinum High School. Following his education, he stayed home and assisted with the running of the farm with his father. On April 19, 1946 he entered the Armed Forces and served in the Army Air Corps. He was in charge of the upkeep of service records and preparation of payroll. He was stationed at Williams Field in Chandler, AZ, receiving his discharge on October 11, 1947 with the rank of Sgt. He would always joke he was in the Air Corp, but was never on a plane!
On September 30, 1952, Andy was united in marriage to Abbie M. Pecinovsky at Holy Trinity Church in Protivin, Iowa, by his uncle Rev. Clarence Frana. Andrew and Abbie farmed on the family farm which had been in the family since 1876. He was proud to receive a Century Farm Designation at the Iowa State Fair. The pride and joy of his life, next to his wife Abbie, were his three grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He was a lifetime member of Holy Trinity Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a 50 plus year member of the American Legion. Andy loved a good game of 500 and old time Czech music. He will be remembered for his love of family, his faith and his sense of humor.
Andy is survived by his wife, Abbie; their children: Adrian (Beth) Novak of Onalaska, WI, and Rita (Richard) Baird of Manly, IA; three grandchildren: Heather (Shad) Mallady of Nevada, IA, Angela Baird of Kansas City, MO, and Anthony (Kim) Novak of Austin, MN; one great grandchild, Addison Mallady. Andrew is also survived by one brother: Eugene Novak of Protivin, IA; and one sister, Elizabeth Seaver of Fern Park, FL.
Andrew was preceded in death by one son: Loren on June 6, 1982.