Novak, Donald Luther

Donald Luther Novak, 73, of Cedar Rapids, passed on Monday, April 26, 2010, from a courageous battle with cancer. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 3, at Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church, with burial to follow at First Presbyterian Church Cemetery near Ely. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW. Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements.

Don was born Feb. 20, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, the son of David and Martha (Flender) Novak. He founded Novak Construction in 1958 and operated it for over 52 years. He married Norma Kriz and they were married for over 30 years. She died March 14, 1991. He married Sharon Ristau McMeen on June 19, 1993, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.

Don is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughters, Lory (Thomas Towne) Novak-Towne of Fairfax, Beverly Novak (Keith Hemphill) of Cedar Rapids and Kelly McDonald of Austin, Texas; a son, Tim (Lisa) McMeen of Williamsburg; grandchildren, Daniel Mitchell II (Jesse Sanders), Benjamin (Amanda) Mitchell, Jordon Novak, Caitlyn Towne, Dylan McDonald and Evan McDonald, Mateo McMeen and Josie McMeen; a great-grandson, Daniel Paul Mitchell III; a brother, Dave (Jan) Novak of Beaverton, Ore.; and a sister, Linda Novak of Bradenton, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a wife, Norma; and a granddaughter, Sierra C. Mitchell.

Don spent his entire career in the home building and remodeling business. He earned certifications as a graduate remodeler, master carpenter, graduate builder, kitchen designer, Pella contractor as well as a certified aging in place specialist. He was selected as 2002 National Remodeler of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers Council and was vice chairman in 2004 and chairman in 2005. He earned a Lifetime Achievement Award on Nov. 13, 2007, for dedication to the HBA of Greater Cedar Rapids Area, HBA of Greater Iowa City Area, and HBA of Iowa and National Association of Home Builders.

Don was involved in many professional organizations, including Greater Cedar Rapids Home Builders Association president, 1970, 1975, 1988, and vice president, 1987; induction into the Greater Cedar Rapids Home Builders Association Hall of Fame in 1990; director of the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers Council, 1987 and 1999-present; The Iowa City Remodelers Council board member, 2000-2004, and chairman, 2003; Iowa State Home Builders of Directors since 2002, National Remodelers Council board of trustees, 1995-2001 and 2004-2005; founding member of National Home Builder Certified Aging in Place Specialist, C.A.P.S. Program 2002; and F & M Bank Advisory Board, 2006-2007.

Novak Construction was chosen as one of the Top 500 remodeling companies in the nation in 2000 by Remodeling Magazine and Remodeler of the Century which he received July 18, 2007, by the Greater Cedar Rapids NAHB. In addition, Remodeling Magazine recognized Novak Construction Co. as one of The Big 50 Remodeling Companies in 2000.

Each new day was “finer than frog fuzz.” Don's sense of humor was legendary. There were no strangers to Don; people he met were potential friends. He made everyone smile and had a kind word for them.

Don was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church near Ely. He was an avid golfer. Don's finest golfing moment was Nov. 1, 2009, when he made a hole in one at Airport National in Cedar Rapids.

Don was a loving husband and a proud and caring father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be forever missed by his family and friends.

Memorials may be directed in Don's name to the CRHBA Endowed Scholarship at Kirkwood Foundation, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 or online at

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at