John H. Novak

John H. Novak, age 96 of Lankin, ND passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at the First Care Health Center of Park River. John was born on November 24, 1912 on a farm in Medford Township to John J. and Anna (Cicha) Novak. He completed 8 years of school in Meford Township and then farmed with his father. John married Gladys Lansing on October 24, 1938 at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lankin, ND. They rented a farm in Cleveland Township, which they later purchased. They lived on the farm for 40 years and retired to a new home in Lankin. John was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he helped with planning of the building of the new church and also maintained the cemetery for 35 years. He was assessor in Cleveland Township, a member of the K.D. Lodge at Bechyne, ND; a member of the Park River Knights of Columbus, a 4th Degree member and Past Grand Knight. He served as treasurer for the Lankin Senior Citizens and was on the committee for the 1st "Walsh County Heritage" Books. He also served on the Board of Directors at the Farmers Union Elevator. John traveled extensively for the past several years. He had a great sense of humor and thoroughly enjoyed his family, friends and old time music. He is survived by three daughters: Evelyn (Allen) Close, Aitkin, MN; Kaye (Gary) Swartz, Fordville, ND; Ellen (Roger) Fish, Grand Forks, ND; eight grandchildren: Melanie Polzin, Susan Preuss, Miles Close, Shawn Close, Todd Swartz, Tyler Swartz, Laurie Hart and Scott Fish. 22 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, sisters: Emma Nelson, California; and Florence Hagen, Lankin, ND; one brother Stanley Novak, Park River, ND. Several nieces, nephews, two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law and special friend Carol Ondracek also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gladys, two sisters: Ann Lindell and Rose Midthun and grandson Troy Swartz. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Lankin. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Lankin. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.