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George Novak, 95, of Creston, passed away Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston. Pastor Mel Kendall will officiate. Open visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 with family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the George Novak Memorial Fund, to be established by the family. Condolences and memories can be shared online at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
George Matthias Novak was born Dec. 17, 1926, the son of Cyril Celestine and Maude Agnes (Kessler) Novak on a farm in Ringgold County, Iowa. George was raised on the farm and attended school in Benton, graduating with the class of 1944.
Having been raised on a farm, George started farming after high school and over time, became a self-employed businessman. Vegetable gardening began as a hobby, but George soon began selling his produce as a business and continued for more than 20 years with Novak Produce. He also was a landlord, owning several rental properties over the years.
On Feb. 14, 1950, George was united in marriage to LaRetta LaVaughn Brown. They eloped in Taylor County, Iowa. The couple were later blessed with six children: Georgia, Katherine, James, Susan, Jerry and Jackie. George enjoyed fishing whenever he had time and loved spending time with all of his grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
George was preceded in death by his wife, LaRetta in 2016; his daughter, Katherine Thomas; two brothers: Robert and LaVerne Novak and by his parents.
George is survived by his children: Georgia (Hillman) Walter of Wilber, Nebraska; James (Felisha) Novak of Tingley; Susan (Joel) Stein of Eagle Grove; Jerry (Tyann) Novak of Creston and Jackie (Mamie) Novak of Creston; 16 grandchildren: Jessica Placek, Tristan Novak, Jamie Storhoff, Joy Stein Van Houten, Katie Barker, Lisa Wiblen, Christopher Novak, Amber Scharf, Mariah Gray, Tony Markowski, Marcus Jones, Rhonda Russell, Crystal Ray, Rodney Deal, Tiffany Larson and Larry Key; 17 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.