James R. Novak

James R. “Jim” Novak 69, Darboy, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2021 at home with his family by his side.

Jim was born on June 28, 1952 in Manitowoc, WI to Frank and Jane Novak (Arndofer). Jim joined the US Navy right out of high school and served for almost 4 years. He and his family returned to the Fox Valley and Jim worked as a welder his entire career, which he used his talents for many hobbies. During his working years he also spent many nights in the garage working on the race car, traveling with Diane and his family and friends to concerts, campgrounds, snowmobiling weekends, hunting/poker weekends, and many, many trips to the Northwoods. He was especially fond of a trip he took with his mom and brothers and sister to Mexico. Retirement for Jim was truly his dream come true, he and Diane purchased their cabin on Archibald Parkway. The place was cozy just not quite the view Jim dreamed of. Jim and Diane then found their happy place on Reservoir Pond. So many people spent the weekend, a day or even a couple hours at the cabin with Diane and Jim. He loved driving the pontoon boat around the lake, watching the grandkids fish and swim off the dock, watching the sunsets over the lake, BS’ing around the campfire and “stuff like that…..”

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane Novak; son, Nathan (Melissa) Novak, Diane’s children; Amy (Ryun) Ulrich, Sara (Brandon) Wittman and Timothy Lettau; grandchildren, Lexi, Haylie, Nick, Reed, Ethan and Eric. He also leaves his siblings: Virginia Rochon, Tom (Mary) Novak and John Novak. He is further survived by Diane’s siblings: Ron (Linda) Van Roy, Jack (Joan) Van Roy, Rog Van Roy, Carol (Jim) Van Stippen, Jim (Sharon) Van Roy, Denis (Jeanie) Van Roy, Don (Kris) Van Roy, Jo (Jeff) Wyngard, Rick (Amy) Van Roy as well as many other family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; Diane’s parents, Harry and Delia Van Roy, his sister-in-law, Cheryl Novak, his brother-in-law, Paul Rochon, and a niece; Amy Rochon.

A celebration of life will be held at Memorial Park in Combined Locks on Sunday, August 22, 2021 from 2pm to 7pm. Military service at 4pm. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established with the American Lung Association.

Breath Easy Jim, we love you!

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