Joseph “Joe” A. Novak, age 88 of rural Clintonville in the Town of Larrabee passed away Tuesday morning, May 2, 2023 at the Greentree Health and Rehabilitation Center in Clintonville.
He was born September 17, 1934 in Antigo, Wis. He spent his early life with his family on a farm in the Town of Peck. He attended high school in Antigo. In 1955, Joe enlisted in the U. S. Army, spending most of his military service time in Germany. In 1957, he received an honorable discharge, returning to live on the family farm. He was employed as a parts manager for Lockwood Graders for several years. On his 26th birthday, Sept.17, 1960, Joe married Eva Kegler at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Deerbrook, WI. They lived in the Antigo area until 1964 at which time they moved to Clintonville, WI where Joe took a job with Farm Equipment Sales as parts manager. Following employment there, Joe worked at various other businesses in the parts dep’t. Joe’s health began to fail & limited his activity, resulting in early retirement. It was following retirement that he discovered his interest in woodworking & his ability to design & construct so many beautiful & unique wood products. In recent years, his health has limited this activity also. Joe loved life & had many friends; he especially loved camping & traveling in the western states. He was very proud of his children & granddaughters which he loved so much.

Joe is survived by his wife, Eva, one son, William “Bill” (Julie) Novak of Clintonville, one daughter, Terri Novak of Appleton, two Granddaughters, Amanda (Ehrick) George, Allyssa (Tyler) Reschke, two Great-Granddaughters, Hailey Reschke & Bailey George, brothers-in-law & sisters in law, Earl Steger of Antigo, Lillian Novak of Deerbrook, Matt (Ev) Kegler of Salem OR, Harold (Susan) Kegler of Fernandina Beach FL, and numerous “Favorite” nieces & nephews.
Joe was a faithful member of St. Martin Lutheran church serving on various boards.
In the last few years, Joe & his family became part of another family – at Green Tree Health & Rehab. There is much love & care with that community. Many thanks & praise to all who cared for him there.

Joe’s funeral service will be held Monday May 8, 2023 at 12pm at St. Martin Lutheran Church in Clintonville with Rev. Jason Zobel officiating. Interment will be held at St. Martin Cemetery in the Town of Larrabee. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9am until the time of the service. Military honors conducted by members of the Clintonville American Legion Post #63, VFW Post #664, American Legion Auxiliary #63, and DAV Chapter #53 will follow the service outside of church. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting his family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com