John A. Novak Sr.

John A. Novak Sr., 82, passed away July 30, 2022, at his home in St. John, Wash.

John was born May 7, 1940, to Joseph and Vivienne (Crowder) Novak in Berwick, Penn. He was raised in a small town about 80 miles north of Philadelphia and had one brother and one sister.

Coming of age in the 1950s, 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, Penn., and worked as a “cooks’ helper” in a large resort after graduation.

In 1959, John joined the Air Force and was stationed at Geiger Field. His love of the great northwest is where he liked to be, so he made it his home. 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 Agriculture 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 was 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 Aerie 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 of Florida; 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; daughter, Rebecca Novak; sister, Mary Stein; second wife, Lila Novak; daughter-in-law, Sherrie Novak; and step-grandson, Shane Davidson.

A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2022 at Christian Life Assembly Church in St. John, followed by vault interment in St. John Cemetery. Viewing was from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax.

On-line condolences may be made to http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com.

Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax is caring for the family.