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.