Fritz Novak

Francis Emil “Fritz” Novak, age 95, of New Prague, died peacefully at his home with his family at his side on Monday, September 16, 2024. Fritz was born on July 29, 1929, to Ladislav and Anna (Pavek) Novak on the family farm in Veseli, Minnesota. He went to public school in Veseli for 2 years and then went to Most Holy Trinity Catholic School through eight grade. He worked for many local farmers doing odd jobs and went to high school for his freshman year only. He decided to join the Air Force, enlisted on January 11, 1949, had 13 weeks of basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX, and then went to school for airplane and engine mechanics for 7 months. From there he was transferred to Biggs AFB in El Paso, TX and attached to the air refueling squadron for several months. He then transferred to the 342nd Bomb Squadron, 8th Air Force as an A & E Mechanic to work on B-50 Bombers. When the Korean War started, they needed to form a maintenance squadron and Fritz was asked to help get it started. He spent much of the next two years in England and was honorably discharged on October 1, 1952 as an Airman First Class, Sargent.

When Fritz came home on October 7, 1952, he got a job at International Multifoods in New Prague. He started at the elevator and transferred to the main plant, where he worked shift work for several years. He was promoted to plant supervisor, where he remained until he retired on April 24, 1988, after 36 years.

On May 14, 1955, Fritz married Joyce Geraldine Adamek at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli. Father Stanley Srnec, a very good friend married them and Sister Innocence, a former teacher of Joyce’s, played the organ and music for the ceremony. Fritz and Joyce built a home in New Prague, where they raised their five children and lived for 69 years. After Fritz retired from the mill, he was recruited to work at Don’s grocery store just across the street. Don knew that Fritz’s infectious smile and ability to talk to people were a natural fit to make shoppers feel welcome. He followed Don’s Foods when it became Econofoods and finally, Coborns, where he worked as an all-around handyman. When Covid hit, he delivered prescriptions for the pharmacy to homebound people and Mala Strana, working until age 90. He will be remembered for the friendly face that thoroughly enjoyed visiting with people!

Fritz was a member of the KC’s and the American Legion. He and Joyce vacationed at Detroit Lakes Lakerest Resort with their family, relatives, and friends for 39 years. They spent a couple of months each winter in Las Vegas for 14 years.

Fritz is survived by his loving wife, Joyce of New Prague; children, Norm Novak of Ramsey, Juanita Novak of New Prague, Marlene Novak of Eden Prairie, Doug Novak of Lakeville, Julie (Dennis) Weber of Montgomery; grandchildren, Jolene (Tony) La Brossa, Brandi (Ryan) Shenkle, Scott Novak, Connor (Sydney) Novak, Jason (Amanda) Novak, Andrew (Jessica) Novak, and Jack, Ellen, & Joe Becker; great-grandchildren, Paige, Avery, Riley, Leonard, Hattie, & Andi; brother, Jerry Novak of Montgomery. He is preceded in death by brothers, George & Lawrence (in infancy); sisters, Marcie Hadac, Ann Fischer, Rose Franek, Mary Jane Vosejpka, Caroline Shimota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Visitation will take place Tuesday the 24th from 4-7 PM and Wednesday morning from 7:30-9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard. Lunch will follow at the KC Hall.