ElRoy Novak

ELROY H. NOVAK

Cedar Rapids

ElRoy H. Novak, 92, of Cedar Rapids, entered into eternal peace at his home on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Burial with military honors will follow in Czech National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 Second St. SE, Cedar Rapids.

ElRoy was born June 10, 1924, in Wausau, Wis., a son of Czech immigrants James and Marie Novak. He graduated from McKinley High School in 1942 and at the age of 18 was commissioned second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In 1944, he proudly defended the United States of America during World War II as air electronics officer with a combat cargo squadron in the China-Burma-India Theatre. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars. He flew 133 combat missions in China, Burma and India. He returned to the states in 1946. In 1947, he was recalled to active duty and was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. He left the regular service in 1948 and was again called into active duty in 1951. ElRoy was stationed in Germany during the Korean War from 1952 to 1953. In 1955, he became commanding officer of the 133rd Aircraft Control Squadron in Fort Dodge, Iowa. From 1969 to 1974, he served as deputy chief of staff of the Iowa Air Guard. ElRoy retired in 1974 as brigadier general after 32 years of service.

On June 2, 1946, ElRoy married his high school sweetheart, Arlene J. Dvorak, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, and together they raised three children. ElRoy was employed by Turner Microphone Co., had owned Sinclair Distributing, had been a real estate broker with Zachar Real Estate and owned Novak Monument Co. for 15 years, until his retirement in 1989.

He was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the Reserves.

ElRoy is survived by his wife of 70 years, Arlene; children, James (Kristin) Novak of Cedar Rapids, Terry (Valerie) Novak of Dillon, Colo., and Candy Shelton of Marion; grandchildren, Rich "Little Beaver" (Rhonda), Ryan (Katie), Kyle, Tiffany, Erik (Amanda), Evan and Lucas (Melea); and great-granddaughters, Ella, Brooke, Lauren and Aubree.

There was nothing more special than ElRoy spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Lewis, George and Otto.

Military graveside services will be conducted by the 133rd Test Squadron Iowa Air National Guard, Fort Dodge.

ElRoy's family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Prairie Hills in Cedar Rapids and Kim and Suzanne from UnityPoint Hospice for their support in ElRoy's final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church or the Disabled American Veterans.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under "obituaries."