Walter Novak, 95, died on Monday, August 21, 2006 at his home in rural Brooks, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 26, 2006 at St Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN with Father Tim Bushy celebrant and Father Duane Pribula con celebrant. Burial will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Terrebonne, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, August 25, 2006 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN with the Rosary at 5:30 P.M. and a Prayer Service at 7:00 P.M. on Friday evening.

Walter Jacob Novak was born on August 7, 1911 in Northland Township, Polk County, MN, the son of Frank and Mary (Honek) Novak. He was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith, and was raised and attended rural school, near Tabor, MN, where the family farmed. Walter worked as a farm laborer for local farmers.

Walter was united in marriage to Monica Vanyo on October 27, 1937 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Tabor, MN. The couple moved to a farm in Sandsville Township near Warren, MN and farmed for 19 years. He started working road construction in 1951 and retired from road construction when he was 63. Following his retirement Walter farmed until he sold the farm to his two sons. The family bought the present farm in Poplar River Township, near Brooks in 1956, where they have lived until his death.

Walter liked carpentry work and remodeled his house and also built several buildings on his farm. He enjoyed playing cards and visiting with his family and friends. He loved working around his yard and playing with his grandkids.

Walter was a member of Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Foresters and the Catholic Workman. He was also a former member of St. Anthony s Catholic Church in Terrebonne, MN until it closed and then he became a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks, MN.

Walter is survived by his wife, Monica Ann of Brooks, MN; eight children: Jerome (Barb) Novak of Brooks, MN, Leonard Novak of Warren, MN, Walter Danny (Cindy) Novak of Brooks, MN, Raymond Novak of Brooks, MN, Reinette (Ray) Walter of Plummer, MN, Gerard (Kim) Novak of Thief River Falls, MN, Anita (Jack) Mattson of Rochester, MN and Madonna (Dan) Johnson of Ames, Iowa; 21 grandchildren: Rebecca, Tim, Linda, Nancy, Steve, Jackie, Tom, Theresa, Christopher, Carly, Caleb, Renae, Vicki, Jenny, Brian, Alyssa, Sarah, Adam, Paul, Laura and Jacob; 32 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Novak; brothers: Frank Novak, Jr., Emil Novak, Ralph Novak and Robert Novak; and an infant daughter, Dorothy Ann in 1956.

SPECIAL MUSIC: The Novak Family
VIOLIN SOLO:
CASKETBEARERS: All of Walter s Grandsons, HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: All of Walter s Granddaughters