John J. Novak Jr.

John J. Novak Jr., born on August 12th, 1936, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on September 27, 2021, with his family faithfully by his side.

John is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jean (nee Evans) Novak; children, John III (Kay) Novak, Lyn (the late Albert) Krusemark, Deborah (Chuck) Dean, Laurie (Tom) Anderson, Joseph (Terike) Novak and Barbara (Fred) Hunssinger; 12 grandchildren, Dr. Sara Novak, John Novak IV, Allyn (Jeff) Krusemark-Reed, Karine (Scott) Whiteford, Taylor (Kyle) Broman, Brittany (James) Harris, Maggie Pirofalo, Michael (Jenna) Anderson, Matthew Anderson, Fred (Carrie) Hunssinger, Jodie (Jim) Yerkes, and Jaime (Al) Landis; 19 great-grandchildren, Timothy and Callie Campbell, Charles Bublitz, Corinne, and Dustin Pirofalo, Jack and Grant Reed, Reese, Beckham and Novak Whiteford, Everleigh, Remi, and Barrett Hunssinger, Ethan, Ben, Lucas, and Ellie Yerkes, Nico Villapiano and Jack Berner; 1 great-great-granddaughter, Kendall Campbell; siblings, Richard (the late Doris) Novak, Janice (Tony) Smrekar, Judy (Bob) Smrekar, Karen (the late Bill) Matan, Sharon (Mike) Daidone, David (JoAnn) Novak and Jerry (Kathy) Novak; special sister-in-law, Pat Novak and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents; John Sr. and Mary (nee Kijowski) Novak; in-laws, Russell and Helen Evans; brother, Kenneth Novak and son-in-law, Albert Krusemark III.
John grew up in Lockport and his greatest love was his family.  John was known for being a proud member of the Local 444 Iron Workers Union and fondly remembered by his brothers there. After retirement he enjoyed life on the farm in Frankfort. He loved the outdoors: fishing, hunting, driving the tractor, bird watching, looking for arrowheads, watching his kids play sports, or even sitting on the porch sharing stories and working on crossword puzzles. He instilled in his children the concept of true family devotion. He loved Jean wholeheartedly and was always at her side. John was a die-hard Packers fan and loved the White Sox. He always warmed the room with his great smile and filled it with his laughter. Spending time with his family brought him such joy. The memories of his humor, drawings, stories, and the overall feeling of unconditional love and acceptance he showed will be cherished forever.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 with services in the funeral home chapel at 11:30 a.m. then driving in procession to Woodlawn Memorial Park for interment. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.