George Barney Novak was born on May 20, 1926 in Radom, Illinois. He was the son of John Novak and Rosie (Wachowski) Novak. He fell in love with Pearline Thelma (Enke) Novak. They were married in August 1954. Pearline passed away on April 26, 1969. George and Pearline had four children, Sandra Marie (Novak) Rangle, Mark Allen Novak, the late Thomas John Novak and Lori Ann Novak Smith.
George was a union president of the steel workers at American Can Company where he was employed for 38 years. He was a charter member of the St. Louis Metro Polka Club which he and his brother started.
He was active in the Polka Club and danced until about a year ago at the start of the pandemic. He watched many hours of Mollie B Polka Party on TV, Lawrence Welk, Big Joe Polka and anything else he could find. He sat on his recliner and had that foot tapping to the music.
He lived at South View Assisted Living and Memory Care for the last 7 months. He absolutely loved it there and thought he was on vacation. He loved his peaches, tomatoes and Arby’s, which ended up being his last meal. The best meal he ever had!
Dear father of Sandra (Richard) Rangle, Mark (Theresa) Novak, Thomas Novak, and Lori Dewayne) Smith. Dear grandfather of Richard (Erin) Rangle II, Lisa (Scott) Heinemeier, Timothy Rangle, Lindsey (Caleb Clifton) Smith, Sierra (Corey) Baremore, Makayla Smith, Sydnee Novak and Kyle Novak. Dear great grandfather of Dakota Rangle, McKenna Rangle, Brandan Rangle, Kailey Rangle, Clarissa Rangle, Caden Rangle, Kennedy Rangle, Aly Bell, Sage Baremore, Dawson Clifton and Owen Clifton. Dear brother of Edward (Josephine) Novak, Stanley (Bernice) Novak, Frank (Maryanne) Kasban, Eugene Kasban, Barbara Kaminski, Gertie Kasban. Eleanor Hudson, Bernice Huegly and Gertrude Broviak, Our dear brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Road on Wednesday, September 15, 9:00 a.m. Interment Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday 3 – 9 p.m.
In your Dad’s memory I offer my sincere sympathy. He knows how much he was loved. His children were his light and he was as willing to care for all of you as you have been for him. Maybe all 4 of our parents will now be dancing in Heaven!
I do know the pain you feel now in losing him but I also know that although the heartache will lessen over time your memories will never leave you. Prayers for peace.
Mark and Teri so sorry for your loss. Sue and I will always fondly remember George’s smiling face. Whenever we saw your Dad he seemed genuinely happy to see us. He was just such a lovely caring man. May he Rest in Jesus’s arms.
God bless you grandpa you surly will be missed love you love cindy ❤
Uncle George was the sweetest man. I will never forget all the special times we had together ! I will never forget him taking all of us kids to the zoo all by himself and my youngest brother was still a baby in diapers! I think there was 8 of us!! He like his brothers loved to dance ! His legacy lives on with all of his dear family . He is now in heaven with your beautiful momma and Tom and the whole family . Don’t you know they are eating peaches and tomatoes and Arby’s! The best meal they ever had and listening to polkas!!! My love forever and always and my thoughts and prayers for all of you !
A dear friend and co-worker that we always enjoyed. Glad that we saw him in the nursing home, a few weeks ago. Sorry but Helen’s eye surgery conflicts with us attending funeral. George will always be in our prayers.