Wally Novak

Wallace (Wally) Novak, age 88, of St. Louis Park, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 10, 2023. Wallace Frank Novak was born on November 30, 1935 in his Hopkins, MN, home. His family spent years in Hopkins, Elk River and Fifty Lakes, MN. He graduated from Crosby High School in 1953. Wally's life experiences were wide and varied - including time on the family farm, underground iron mines, National Guard, barber, school bus driver, carpenter/contractor, and church building superintendent for 19 years at Westwood Lutheran Church. Not only was Wally incredibly meticulous in the care and tending of the church facility, he and his family were loyal and active members of the church in the years since. In fact, Wally was actively attending services until two weeks before his passing. Wally was the ultimate friend who was incredibly generous with his time, quick with a joke, and tended a neighbor's lawn with his beloved John Deere lawn tractor. Wally's passions included fishing, gardening and golfing and these topics would sustain conversations for hours. After retirement, Wally treasured time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wally spun mundane stories into fanciful tales that improved with each telling. He had an amazing memory for dates and details (including such details as how many windows, board feet of lumber, and sheets of drywall went into each project. Seriously.) He was a problem solver who puzzled over how to solve tricky building problems in a creative way. Ever the efficient builder, he would never be truly satisfied until he could actually finish the project before ever beginning it. Wally had a sweet tooth and a strong preference for jellybeans, orange slices and ice cream. He is survived by son, Barry (Beth); daughters, Chrys McConnell (Dave), Nancy Boryczka (Jim); grandchildren, Ian (Rachel), Brynn (Dayna Gordon), Joseph Novak (Meghan DeYoung), Ali Boryczka (Nick Frazer), and Sam Boryczka; three treasured great-grandchildren, Nolan, Rollie and Sigrid; sister, Joanne Pickar; and extended family and friends. Preceded in death by wife, Debra; parents, Ruth and Joe Novak; siblings, Eda, Marian, Ward and Wencell; granddaughter Katie Novak; and former spouse, Elaine Novak. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 22nd at 1 PM at Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park. Visitation one hour prior. The service will be streamed live and can be viewed later at this URL: https://www.westwood.church/watch-funeral.

Tributes

Wally Novak

November 30, 1935 - December 10, 2023

Tributes

Wally Novak

November 30, 1935 - December 10, 2023

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