Otto Novak

OTTO NOVAK

Cedar Rapids

Otto J. Novak, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids. Services, with military honors: 10 a.m. Monday, March 9, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 520 Wilson Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at the funeral home. Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Otto James Novak was born Feb. 2, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to his parents, John and Marie (Svoboda) Novak. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and served in World War II until being honorably discharged in 1945. He met and later married Mary Ellen Bevins on Sept. 16, 1950, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Otto worked as a laborer for Local Union 43 for 23 years until his retirement.

He is survived by his children, Alan (Cynthia) Novak of Cedar Rapids, Gary (Diane) Novak of Solon, Mark (Kevin) Novak of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Shari (Paul) Viktora of Cedar Rapids; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one brother, John Novak; two sisters, Mary Klopp and Helen Swalley; and many nieces and nephews.

Otto was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ellen; and his brothers, George, Joe, Jerry, Chuck and Wesley.

He enjoyed his winters in Texas and hunting and fishing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Otto's name may be directed to the American Lung Association, 55 West Wacker Dr., Ste. 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.

Please share a memory of Otto at www.murdoch funeralhome.com under obituaries.