Melvin Novak

MELVIN W. NOVAK

Cedar Rapids

Melvin W. Novak, 88, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2018, at West Ridge Care Center

after a lengthy illness. Per Melvin's request, there will be no visitation or service. Inurnment will be at Cedar Memorial Mausoleum Columbarium.

Survivors include sons, Rick (Julie) Novak of Cedar Rapids and Gary (Elaine) Novak of Springfield, Ill.; granddaughter, Nicole (Jacob) Schroeder of Cedar Rapids; and brothers, Jim Novak of Cedar Rapids and Ted Novak of Sacramento, Calif.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; son, David; parents; and brother, Tom.

Melvin was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 29, 1929, to parents Frank and Matilda (Triska) Novak. Mel served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1953, during the Korean conflict. He married Lois Noble on Aug. 29, 1955, in Cedar Rapids. Melvin worked at Cryovac, where he and Lois met, then worked as a Cedar Rapids police officer for 14 years. He then worked as a machinist with Rockwell Goss for 25 years, retiring in 1991.

Melvin enjoyed swimming laps at Bender Pool, dancing, carpentry, working on cars (especially VWs), lunches at the Witwer Senior Center, helping at Sokol gymnastics events and American Legion events, and spending time with all his family and friends.

Special thanks to Higley Mansion and West Ridge Care Center for the wonderful care and comfort they gave to Mel these past three years.

Memorial donations may be directed to either the Witwer Senior Center, 317 Seventh Ave. SE No. 302, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401; or Sokol Gymastics, 5200 18th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, in Mel's honor.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com.