William Novak

WILLIAM "BILLY" J. NOVAK

Ely

William "Billy" J. Novak, 86, of Ely, died in the house he was born in on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017. Celebration of Life services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at St. John Lutheran Church in Ely. Burial will follow in Roger's Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Brosh Chapel & The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW.

Billy was born Dec. 30, 1930, in rural Ely, the son of William and Emma Bertha (Vornholt) Novak. Billy graduated from Wilson High School in 1949. He honorably served his country in the Army National Guard. Billy married Irene Klouda on Oct. 14, 1954. Billy farmed near Ely for many years, retiring in 1996, and also worked at Wilson's for 16 years. He was a member of Town & Country, CR Coin Club, Ely Odd Fellows Lodge and the 2 Cylinder Club. Billy also was a trustee for Putnam Township for many years. He enjoyed collecting antiques, going for local drives, going on tractorcades and traveling. Above all, he loved spending time with family.

Billy is survived by his wife, Irene; his children, Rose (Mike) Dunham of Swisher, Sherry Novak of Rosemead, Calif., William J. (Sheryl) Novak of Ely, Judy Franks of Mount Vernon, Nancy (Dan) Schmuecker of Luzerne and Dan (Kim) Novak of Ely; 12 grandchildren; 20 great- grandchildren; brother, Edward (Joan) Novak of Alamo, Texas; and his beloved dog, Barney.

He was preceded in death by his parents and great- grandson, Gabriel Kline.

Memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church in Ely or Hospice of Mercy.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.