John A. Novak Sr.

John A. Novak Sr., passed away on July 30, 2022 at his home in St. John at the age of 82. John was born on May 7, 1940 to Joseph and Vivienne (Crowder) Novak. He was born in Berwick, PA and raised in a small town about 80 miles north of Philadelphia, he had one brother and one sister.

Coming of age in the fifties for most teens meant soda fountains and juke boxes, but for John life was a little different. He could always be found outside playing in the woods. When he wasn't enjoying the natural world, he was involved with school activities, especially football. John graduated from Coughlin High School in 1958 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, and worked as a "cooks' helper" in a large resort after graduation.

In 1959, John joined the Air Force where he was stationed at Geiger Field.

His love for the great Northwest is where he would have liked and tried to make it a home but a poor job market brought him back to the Spokane area where he took his first job at the flour mill. He then went on to the Kinman Business University in Spokane where he studied computer programming and accounting. His new job skills brought him to Colfax where he took a job with McSweeney Tractor Co. where he was the office manager for 17 years until the doors closed. He then continued working as an accountant for Western Ag., and other small businesses.

John was introduced to Lila Curtis in 1979. They were hesitant to combine their families, so they engaged in a long courtship, eventually marrying 11 years later in 1990. John is a member of the Christian Life Assembly church in St. John. He was Lecturing Knight in the Colfax Elks lodge, a member of the Eagles and a member of the BOF club in Spokane.

John loved to be outdoors. He loved fishing and hunting and would use any excuse to get out and tramp around. He would get a deer every year and enjoyed bird hunting. He was also a great bowler!

John is survived by his three children; John Jr. (Cheryl) Novak of Tekoa, Michael Novak of St. John, Deborah (Bruce) Meyer of Nebraska, and his stepson, David Curtis of St. John. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Jr. (Marie) Novak in Florida, his grandchildren; Jason Novak, Jacob (Shilah) Novak, Joshua Novak, Amanda (James) Curtis, Derek (Jesica) Novak, Travis (Jandi Fyffe) Holtman, Josh (Angie) Davidson, Crystal Davidson, Caitlyn Williams, Natalie (Jeremy) Niccum, Jessica Curtis and David Curtis Jr., several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-son Timothy Day Jackson, first wife Lena Novak, his daughter Rebecca Novak, his sister Mary Stein, his second wife Lila Novak, a daughter-in-law Sherrie Novak, and his step-grandson Shane Davidson.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Christian Life Assembly church in St. John followed by Vault Interment at St. John Cemetery.

Viewing will be held Thursday from 12:00 – 5:00 PM at Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax. Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made to http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com.