Michael S. Novak

DULUTH, Minn. - Michael S. Novak, 63, of Jackson Road, Ironwood Township, died Monday, May 4, 2015, in Duluth.

Micheal was born Sept. 8, 1951, in Ironwood, son of the late John and Maryann (Baima) Novak.

Michael attended the St. Ambrose Grade School and graduated from St. Ambrose High School with the class of 1969. In high school, he was one of the starting five players for the Ironwood Catholic High School Ramblers basketball team. Michael also attended Gogebic Community College in Ironwood and Northern Michigan University in Marquette, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He was employed as a social worker for the state of Wisconsin until retirement in 2004. He also worked as a social worker for the state of Michigan.

Michael served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal and a commendation for rifle marksmanship.

He enjoyed muscle cars and motorcycles, loved sports, especially skiing and camping. He was an avid outdoorsman.

He is survived by two brothers; Paul J. (Carol) Novak, of Pompano Beach, Fla., and John J. (Demi) Novak, of Colorado Springs, Colo .; and a sister, Nancy (James) Dunn, of Mattawan, Mich. Nieces and nephews also survive.

Cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 8, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. Rev. Robb Jurkovich will be the celebrant. Michael's family will receive relatives and friends from noon until the time of mass in the St. Joseph's Family Room at Our Lady of Peace. Inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.

Range Funeral Service and Crematory and the Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Private online condolences may be sent to [email protected].