Joseph F. Novak III

Joseph Francis Novak III, also known as "Little Joe" or "Jovak" of Antigo, passed away on March 4, 2025, at Aspirus Langlade Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 66 years old. He was born on March 28, 1958, a son of Joe and Mary (Koss) Novak in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He married the love of his life, Kelly Bohlman, on May 28th, 1988 at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffman officiating.
Joe graduated from Antigo High School in 1976. He entered into the mechanic trade. He worked just under 30 years at Northern Auto, which became Carquest, then shortly at the Langlade County Highway Department. He was a member of the Norwood Fire Department and served on the Langlade County Board for about a decade. He had a passion for helping and serving others.
He enjoyed the outdoors whether it be hunting, fishing, camping, or trapping. He loved tinkering on his cars, including his favorite 1972 Chevelle, and attending car shows. He had a great knowledge of vehicles and how they ran. He could fix just about anything, just like his dad. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, which brought great joy to all who knew him. He was always thinking of others' well-being.
He battled greatly with a severe form of multiple sclerosis, but he did not let this define him. He is now free of his disability and ailments, able to walk down the wooded trails for blackberry picking, or putting the pedal to the metal with a muscle car, revving up the engine.
In addition to his wife Kelly, he is survived by his son, Dr. Joseph Novak IV (wife Dr. Hilary Steltenpohl) and grandson, Owen Michael Novak who knew his grandfather as "Poppy Joe", just as his dad would be called by Joseph IV. They were his everything.
He is further survived by his siblings, Kathy (Don) Solin of Deerbrook, Tom (Karen) Novak of Antigo, and Julie (Mike) Vesel of Schofield along with nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. Whenever he saw the great nieces and nephews, he gave them a dollar. He loved spending time with them and they will fondly remember their Great Uncle Joe. He is also survived by his in-laws Rita (Marty) Swanson, Jacqueline (Bill) Lescher, Katherine (John) Rew, Patricia (Charles) Poeschl, Duane "Buster" Bohlman Jr., and Scott (Roz) Bohlman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Duane Bohlman and his mother-in-law, Anne Robinson. Also, his maternal grandparents, Anton and Agnes Koss, and paternal grandparents, Joe and Mary Novak; dear cousin and son's godmother, Cathy Michels; many loving family and friends, and beloved dog Angel.
Special thanks to his Uncle Bill and Aunt Joan Novak for always being "on-call" to help in any time of need.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 10 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with the Very Rev. Joel Sember and Rev. Charles Hoffmann concelebrating.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. parish wake service at the Bradley Funeral Home and on Saturday, March 8 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church in Hoffmann Hall.
You can join us virtually for Mass on Saturday at https://www.youtube.com/@AntigoAreaCatholicChurches/streams