John Jacob Novak

1940 - 2025

John Jacob Novak

May 22, 1940 - March 15, 2025

John Jacob Novak, 84, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 15, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. on Fri, March 21, 2025, at Corpus Christi Church, 1919 N 2nd St., Bismarck. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave, Bismarck with a vigil prayer service starting at 7 p.m. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery.

John was born May 22, 1940, in Pisek, ND to John T. and Mary (Jelinek) Novak. He graduated from Pisek High School in 1958. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army. He later graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.

He was employed by the State of North Dakota, Ed Phillips and Sons Company, and retired from Farmers Union Mutual Insurance where he enjoyed his work as a claims adjuster for many years.

While working for the state, he met his future wife, Ann Hruby. They were married in July of 1966 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. They had two daughters.

John had an excellent sense of humor and could get along with anyone. We will miss seeing him heading out on his daily walks, caring for the yard, and restoring old tractors.

John was a member of Corpus Christi Church for many years. He served as an usher, assisted with the food pantry, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He and Ann also did volunteer work through RSVP and St. Alexius Hospital. They enjoyed traveling to various places.

John will be dearly missed by his wife, Ann; daughters, Laura Novak and Nicole (Rick) Owings, all of Bismarck; sisters-in-law, Doris Novak, Grafton, ND, and Alice (Paul) Pfennig, Janesville, Minn.; along with many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, William and Stella Hruby; brothers, Mark J. Novak, Bruno Novak, and Cleo Novak; sister, Mary Rita Swartz; sisters-in-law, Irene Novak, Caroline Fox, and Beverly Wicklander; and brothers-in-law, Jack Hruby and Glenn Swartz.

We appreciate the care and kindness provided by Caring Edge and Home Instead.

To sign the online guest book and share memories of John, go to www.eastgatefuneral.com.