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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Arlene Novak
ARLENE JEAN NOVAK
Cedar Rapids
Arlene Jean Novak passed into eternal peace with family by her side on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. She was 92 and will join her beloved husband, ElRoy, who passed away Feb. 7, 2017.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Burial will follow at Czech National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 Second St. SE, Cedar Rapids.
Arlene was born July 30, 1924, in Cedar Rapids to Wencil and Anna Dvorak. She graduated from Wilson High School in June 1942. During World War II, she worked for the U.S. Navy Department. On June 1, 1946, she married ElRoy Novak, her high school sweetheart, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Arlene worked for several years as a checker at Hy-Vee and enjoyed "choir practice" with her co-workers. She also worked at the family business, Novak Monument Co.
Arlene was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, belonged to St. Monica's Circle, and so enjoyed the wonderful ladies of the circle, especially when making kolaches.
The annual Christmas Eve parties, hosted by Arlene, were the "gathering of the year" for many relatives and friends. Arlene's many friends, both young and old, always were welcomed to the Novaks' home, whether to visit or to live. Arlene and ElRoy's neighbors in Marion became like family to them with numerous pizza parties.
Arlene was a mentor to many throughout the years. Most important to Arlene, though, was spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she dearly loved.
Arlene is survived by her children, James (Kristin) Novak of Cedar Rapids, Terry (Valerie) Novak of Dillon, Colo., and Candy Shelton of Marion; grandchildren, Rich (Rhonda), Ryan (Katie), Kyle, Tiffany, Erik (Amanda), Evan and Lucas (Melea); and great-granddaughters, Ella, Brooke, Lauren and Aubree.
She was preceded in death by her husband, ElRoy, of 70 years; parents; and brothers, Leonard and Wesley Dvorak.
Arlene's family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring nurses at St. Luke's.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs under obituaries.
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