Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
WAKEFIELD, Mich. - John Charles "Tippy" Novak, 84, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away early Sunday morning, Aug. 9, 2015.
He was born on June 30, 1931, in Ashland, Wis., the son of John J. and Vera (Johnson) Novak. John graduated from Wakefield High School.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant on April 27, 1954.
On June 3, 1961, John was united in marriage to Karrien Alice "Cookie" Rintamaki in Wakefield.
He worked as a salesman at the family business, Novak Clothing in Wakefield.
John was a life member of the Bessemer American Legion Post 27, Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084, AMVETS Chapter 490, Wakefield Historical Society and National Rifle Association.
His passions were gardening, fly fishing and watching the Detroit Tigers, Green Bay Packers and old classic movies on television.
John is survived by three sons, Jeffery, Stuart and Jonathan; a daughter, Jane (Dan) Kinzie; four grandchildren, Kelsey Kennedy and Rebecca, Caleb and Lucas Kinzie; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Karrien, on April 26, 1979.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, at 9 a.m., preceded by visitation at 8:30 a.m., at the Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield. The Rev. Bill Jacobson, pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield, will officiate.
Interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of Bessemer American Legion Post 27, Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 and Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard.
The family would like to thank everyone at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, for their kindness and care that was given to John.
Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made at lakesidememorialchapel.com.
