Novak, Margaret 'Peggy'

Margaret ”Peggy” Novak, 89, formerly of Oxford, died Monday, July 26, 2010, at Lantern Park Care Center in Coralville. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Oxford United Methodist Church, with burial at the Oxford Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Margaret's memory to Mercy Hospital Hospice in Iowa City or Hospice Compassus.

Online condolences may be sent to Margaret's family through the web at

Margaret Novak was born Aug. 6, 1920, in rural Kinross, Iowa, daughter of Elmer and Otehlia Kiracofe. She married Frank Novak on Feb. 21, 1939, in Shueyville, Iowa. Margaret and Frank farmed their family Century Farm for many years, until Frank's retirement in the 1980s. For years after that they kept up the farm and spent their time in the garden or fixing up the property, always maintaining a neat and showcase farm. She was a hard worker who never complained. She enjoyed every minute spent gardening, canning or preparing a meal for friends or family. Cooking for others and being a true farm wife were two details of her life she treasured dearly. She also enjoyed her time spent with the Oxford Birthday Club, whether it was playing cards or sharing stories, she was always content as long as she was busy. Most important to her was her family, time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren were treasured moments.

Her family includes her son, Richard Novak and wife Norma of Solon; daughter, Sharon Bryant and husband Bill of Oxford; four grandchildren, Michelle Gnida and husband Andy of Solon, Colleen Barnett and husband Crawford of Hartville, Ohio, Janese Joecken and husband Chip of North Liberty, and Jeanna Hegewald and husband John of Oxford, currently residing on the family farm; and four great-grandchildren, Louis Frank Gnida, Zebulon Novak Gnida, Eleanor Gnida and Crawford F. Barnett IV.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; parents, brothers; Edward and Flavian Kiracofe; and a sister, Loretta Grimm.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City is caring for Margaret's family and her services.