Novak, Edwin J.
April 22, 1922 - June 22, 2010
Cobb - Edwin J. Novak, 88, of Cobb, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at Upland Hills Nursing and Rehab.
He was born on the family farm in the Town of Eden on April 30, 1922, to Phillip and Barbara (Vavrina) Novak. His family only spoke Bohemian when he was growing up and Edwin didn't learn to speak English until he went to school at age six. He graduated from Cobb High School in 1940. It was there that he met the love of his life, Carol Butteris and they were married on March 4, 1944 at the West Bethlehem Church in Edmund.
After marriage the couple took over the family farm. Edwin was a third generation farmer and was very proud when the home farm was certified as a Century Farm in 2002. He also owned two other parcels of land, one being in the family for 145 years and the other 80 years.
Edwin enjoyed raising crossbred hogs and the Large Breed Black hogs which he had imported from Canada. He had a passion for horses and there never was a time when he didn't have a horse grazing in the pasture. He started a Herford dairy herd in the 1940's and later switched to Holsteins.
Edwin lived by the philosophy that hard work never hurt anyone and he practiced that to the end. He didn't quit milking cows until he was 72 and then continued raising Angus beef and hogs until he fully retired at age 86. He and Carol were honored at the Iowa County Farmers Appreciation Day in 2003 where they were the parade grand marshals for the event. He was a long time member of the Cobb United Methodist Church.
Edwin was a straight forward and honest man who always did business with a handshake. His two loves were his family and his farm and he dedicated his life to both. He had wonderful sense of humor and hearty laugh that was recognized by many. He will be greatly missed by his family and the many friends he made over years.
Edwin is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carol; three children, Daniel, of Highland, Susan Novak Murphy, Mt. Vernon, IA and Kevin (Anita) Novak of Edmund; Nine grandchildren, Todd Novak, Tim Novak, Brandee Jo Austin, Starr (Adam) Wilson, Summer Novak, Tara (Shyler) Olsen, Aaron Murphy, Stacey Novak and Travis Novak and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son Roger on January 16, 2010, granddaughter Danielle Novak on March 9, 2001, his parents, two brothers, Daniel Novak and Dr. Milan Novak and two sisters, Helen Trader and Pauline Kramer.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at COBB UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. Rev. Duane Andrus will officiate. Burial will be held in Eden Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Saturday at the church.
Memorials in memory of Edwin may be given to the Cobb United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.
