Obituaries : Edward J. “Bud” Novak

Edward J. "Bud" Novak, 91, of Belle Plaine, was called to be at home with his Lord & Savior on January 18, 2024.

Edward was born on March 18, 1932, to William and Emma (Vornholt) Novak in Ely ,IA. He graduated from Wilson High School, Cedar Rapids, IA in 1950. Following graduation, Ed joined the Navy in 1951. His first permanent duty was with the VP-45 in Panama. Two years later, he was sent to Lake Hearst, NJ. While in Lake Hearst, he met a young gal that a few months later became his wife. He was married to Joan Britton on October 16th, 1955, in Waretown, NJ. One month later he was honorably discharged from the Navy as a 2nd Class Petty Officer.

Ed and Joan began their life together in Ely, IA, where he farmed and worked at Wilson's Meat Processing Plant. The expansion of Hwy 30 through their farmland sent them in search of new land which they purchased in Elberon, IA in 1973. Ed continued to farm full time until 1981 when he and Joan moved to Belle Plaine. He continued to farm part time for many years. For 27 years during the winter months, Ed & Joan lived in Bibleville in Alamo, TX, moving there permanently the last few years before returning to Belle Plaine in 2017.

While in Texas, Ed's passion was working in his Church and local Missionaries spreading the gospel of Christ. When Ed & Joan were in Iowa, they belonged to the New Life Evangelical Free Church in Tama, IA.

Ed was the man who couldn't sit still. He spent endless hours helping his sons with home projects and his home communities wherever an extra hand was needed.

Ed is survived by his wife, Joan; four sons; Edward Brian Novak, and Keith Novak of Belle Plaine, Ted (Tracy) Novak of Elberon, and Patrick John (Nicole) Novak of Ellettsville, IN; grandchildren, Kasey (Garrett) Landuyt, Luke (Jacquie) Novak, Ben (Megan) Novak, Lukas Novak, Emily Novak; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Novak; and grandson, Nick Novak.

Funeral Service is 11 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

Visitation is 10 - 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhasufuneralservice.com.