John Novak

John S. Novak, Jr., 68, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2008, surrounded by his family at his home.
He was born August 7, 1939, in Lakewood, Ohio, to John and Anna Novak. He was a graduate of Saint Edwards, in Lakewood, OH. He served in the United States Air Force from April 14, 1958 until being honorably discharged April 13, 1962 continuing Air Force Reserve duty for two years.
Mr. Novak was employed by Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka for 38 years, retiring in July of 2001. He was also employed by Kansas University in Lawrence for 10 years.
John married Rae Ferguson on June 24, 1961 in Topeka. She preceded him in death on September 24, 1997. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, Stephen. Survivors include four daughters, Julie A. Chambers (Kent), Smithville, MO, Ann-Marie Johnson (Greg), Grand Island, NE, Linda M. Sowards (Keith), Topeka, and Angela K. Thompson (Adam), Topeka; two sisters, Joann Myers (Jim), Kenton, OH, and Pat Hegedus, Parma Heights, OH ; and nine grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Friday, August 1, 2008 at Mater Dei Assumption Church, 204 SW 8th, Topeka. Mr. Novak will lie in state after 3 p.m., Thursday at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence where a rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Interment with military honors conducted by American Legion Post No. 400 will be at Prairie Home Cemetery, Topeka. The family will receive friends following the rosary. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association, P.O. Box 1653, Topeka, KS66601-1653 or to Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th, Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66614.