Novak, Leonard Joseph

Leonard Joseph Novak died January 28, 2011, in Morganton, N.C. He was born March 28, 1922, in Cedar Rapids, the first child of Joseph and Agnes (Balik) Novak. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles (Dick) and Leo Novak. Leonard lived a long, industrious and admirable life. He was married to his one and only true love, his sweetheart, Katheryn Bette Burrier Novak (died 11-8-09) for over 60 years. He was the father of four daughters, Sherin Novak of Solon, Pamela Novak Gilds (died 7-12-95), Kathleen (Kate) Martin of Tipton, and Karin Novak (Bob Wright) of Morganton. Leonard had four grandsons, Joshua, Michael, Ryan and Matthew, as well as two great-granddaughters, Ava and Clara Novak.

After graduating from high school he joined the Navy, where he served as a medic in the South Asia theater. He was presented with many awards and medals, including two purple hearts. After his honorable discharge, he married Katheryn and immediately made use of the G.I. Bill to obtain a bachelor's degree in education from Coe College. Leonard also completed a Master's degree in physical education at Grinnell. He always loved sports. He played football in high school and college, and he began a long and successful career as a football coach for every school district where he taught. Over the years Leonard coached and/or refereed many other sports. He taught a variety of subjects, including phys. ed., Spanish, history, mathematics, driver's ed., civics and he had been teaching geography at McKinley for many years at the time he retired.

Leonard never took summers off. He worked as a house painter, he taught summer school and he spent 20 summers at Ellis Park Golf Course as a park ranger. After his retirement, he worked part-time as a substitute teacher in Lisbon and Mount Vernon. The Novaks lived on a farm southeast of Lisbon for 30 years. They moved there in 1970 so their daughters could enjoy their passion for horses.

He was a very good bowler and continued to bowl into his 80s. He also loved to play cards and work crossword puzzles. He completed the most difficult puzzles with ease. After the farm was sold, Leonard and Katheryn moved to the Blair House in Cedar Rapids. He moved to North Carolina to live with his daughter, Karin, in October 2010.

Those who knew him will greatly miss his keen intelligence and sharp wit. He was very funny and entertaining. He was a generous and hard-working man who embodied all the best qualities of the greatest generation.

A funeral service and military rites will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories by Chaplain Phil Saunders. Burial will be in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.