Novak, Larry James

Larry James Novak, 57, of Waterloo, died Monday, April 29, 2013, at Covenant Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Aug. 28, 1955, in Decorah, Iowa, son of Louis and Virginia (Hruska) Novak. He married Mary Jo Kubesh on July 6, 1974, in Calmar, and they had four children. He married Peggy (Ira) Chardoulias on May 5, 2001, in Clinton.

Larry attended South Winneshiek High School, Calmar. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Business Management. He was employed as a salesman with Heartland Paper for the last seven years.

Larry was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, which he instilled in his children at an early age. He enjoyed the outdoors, golfing with his family, long walks and bike rides with Peggy and sitting on the deck enjoying nature.

Spending time with his family was always a top priority for Larry. He was very proud of his children and always made a point to make sure they knew that. Papa cherished his grandchildren and their hugs and kisses. He had a strong faith that helped guide him through his life's journey. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Melinda (Mark) O'Melia of Bettendorf, Nicole (Juan) Moreno of Moline, Ill. and Caroline (Jason) Smith of Rock Island, Ill.; a son, Bradley (Jennifer) Novak of Wheaton, Ill.; two stepsons, Nicholas (Ashley) Chardoulias of Hudson and Andrew (Whitney) Chardoulias of Urbana; 11 grandchildren, Teigan Atkinson, Jackson O'Melia, Erin O'Melia, Bryce Moreno, Cameron Moreno, Isabelle Moreno, Drew Smith, Madelyn Novak and one on the way, Hannah Chardoulias and one on the way, Brenna Smith and Quincy Chardoulias; and two brothers, Louis (Mary Lou) Novak of Greenfield and Thomas Novak of Lansing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Todd Novak.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Orchard Hill Church, Cedar Falls. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service (West Ridgeway), Waterloo. Further services and burial will be 4:30 p.m. Friday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Spillville, with visitation for one hour before.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Published in The Gazette May 1, 2013.