Richard “Dick” J. Novak, Sr., 95

Richard “Dick” J. Novak, Sr., of Stevens Point, passed away on April 17, 2024, at Whispering Pines, at the age of 95.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1401 Clark St., Stevens Point. Rev. Todd Mlsna will officiate. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.

Dick was born November 13, 1928, in Wakefield, Mich., the third of six children born to Ben and Molly (Olson) Novak. With his parents’ permission, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. After basic training, he spent 20 months overseas on duty in General MacArthur’s headquarters in Tokyo, during the occupation of Japan. For four years, he was on reserve duty with the 84th Infantry Division.

In June of 1952, Dick graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. His senior year was especially busy; he held down a part-time job at a bowling alley, taught a weekly typing class at the vocational school in Fort Atkinson, served as president of the Phi Chi Epsilon fraternity, president of the University’s Interfraternity Council, and was the vice president of his senior class. Prior to graduation, he was awarded membership into the “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.”

Immediately following graduation, he began his working career with Hardware Mutual, now known as Sentry Insurance, and remained with the company until his retirement on April 1, 1990. While his primary position was in Accounting, Data Processing and Audit, he also served as Treasurer and as a member of the Board of Directors for a number of Sentry’s “Venture Capital” companies.

On October 11, 1958, Dick was joined in marriage with Frances “Fran” Ann Schlecht. Their happy marriage was blessed with five children, 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, as well as many years of loving relationships with family and friends.

From early childhood until his passing, Dick had a deep love of the outdoors. Dick, along with his dad and brothers, built a cabin on a lake in Vilas County. This became a sanctuary that hosted many fun-filled adventures for him and his family and friends.

Dick had 71 years of membership with the Elks Club and was also a member of the American Legion. Furthermore, he and Fran were members of St. Stephen Parish and served in various capacities.

Dick is survived by his wife, Fran; his five children, Richard (Nancy) Novak Jr. of Burnsville, Minn., Nancy (Greg) Bloom of Racine, Paula (Duane) Hoerter of Plover, Cynthia Novak of Cambria, Cali., and Julie (Chris) Allen of Scottsdale, Ariz.; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother Kriss (Sandy) Novak; and many nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Molly; two brothers; two sisters; two nephews; and one niece.

For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Dick’s honor to Operation Bootstrap (5000 Heffron Street, Stevens Point, Wis. 54481), The Salvation Army (1600 Briggs Street, Stevens Point, Wis. 54481), or the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org).