Leroy D. Novak

Leroy D. Novak, 85, of Pender, NE died on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender; Pastor Miles Ruch will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery of Pender. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Pender is in charge of the arrangements. Leroy was born on December 21, 1930 near Rosalie, NE, the son of Ferdinand and Adela (Fabry) Novak. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rosalie. In 1949, he graduated from Rosalie High School. On January 21, 1951, he was united in marriage to Joyce Engel at Immanuel Lutheran Church. To this union five children were born: Nancy, Craig, Scott, Lee and Rhonda. The couple farmed near Rosalie until retiring and moving into Pender in 2000. Two of his favorite past times including playing cards and fishing. He looked forward to his annual fishing trips with his family to Minnesota. Leroy was a gentle man, like a bull in a china shop. He was known for his generosity with friends and strangers alike. He snuck away from his family silently in his sleep, unlike his boisterous loud demeanor. Leroy is survived by his wife Joyce of Pender, NE, children: Nancy (Larry) Nyquist of Omaha, NE; Craig (Jean) Novak of Loveland, CO; Scott (Reva) Novak of Rosalie, NE; Lee (Carrie) Novak of Hubbard, NE; Rhonda (Jason Miller) Novak Jacob of Lincoln, NE; 14 of his favorite grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters: Lillian Radtke of Hooper, NE and Francie Dorau of Omaha, NE and Dan Miller, his honorary son. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers and 4 sisters.