Obituary of Dennis Michael Novak

The family of Dennis Novak of Yorkton, beloved husband of Irene Novak sadly announce his passing on Tuesday, September 7, 2021. He was 89 yearas of age. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 11 at 11:00a.m. from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Leonid Malkov officiating. The interment will take place in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Memorials in memory of Dennis may be made to the Yorkton District Nursing Home C/O 41 Betts Ave., Yorkton, SK S3N 1M1 or St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 155 Catherine St., Yorkton, SK S3N 0B9 as gifts of remembrance. Dennis Michael Novak, the last surviving child of Michael and Maria Novak's twelve children, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 7th 2021. Dennis was born in 1931 on the family farm near West Bend, Saskatchewan. He grew up during the "Dirty Thirties", a childhood made even more difficult by the passing of his father in 1934 and the destruction of the family home by a tornado in 1937. Despite this rather tough beginning (or maybe because of it), Dennis grew up quickly to become a humble, hard working, and independent individual. He attended elementary and high school in West Bend. While going to school he helped support the family by working on the farm, building grain elevators and fixing cars in the local service garage. In 1952, Dennis moved to Yorkton and started working as a mechanic for Blahey's Service. Not long after, his brother Andy who also lived in Yorkton, talked Dennis into coming along on a "double date". The young nurse he met that day was Ms. Irene Kuhn, and she would become the love of his life. He married Irene in 1960 and they spent the next 61 years by each other's side. In 1964, their only child Barry was born. In 1972, Dennis bought Blahey's Service and it became Novak's Service. For 31 years, Dennis and the boys at the shop would repair cars, trucks, tractors and anything else you could fit through the big overhead doors. It was a place where good work was done for an honest price. It was also a place where customers and friends would come to visit, even if they didn't have anything being fixed. Dennis was a good and gracious host, always ready for a cup of coffee and some good conversation. Dennis retired in 2003. He spent his retirement years puttering around the yard, travelling a little and being the unofficial "Chauffeur" for friends who didn't drive anymore. He could also be found at the bus depot coffee shop once or twice a day, visiting with friends while passing out chocolate bars to anyone who looked like they needed one. But the best part of Dennis' retirement was enjoying the small family that had grown from just three to so many more. Being a grandfather and great grandfather was one of his greatest joys. Christmases, Easters and Thanksgivings were Dennis' favourite times, because they were spent with his family! Dennis, you were a good son, brother, husband, father, Gido, Great Gido, Uncle, and friend. The world is a better place because you were here. Dennis, we will miss you. Love from your wife Irene, your son Barry, your Daughter-in -Law Gaynor, your grandsons Connor (Dani), Travis and Ethan, your granddaughter Ally and your great grandchildren Braxton and Autumn. Service Details. Service When: Saturday, September 11th, 2021 11:00am Location: St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Address: 155 Catherine St. YORKTON, SK S3N 0B9 Interment Location: Yorkton City Cemetery Address: King St. East YORKTON, SK Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Dennis Novak October 16, 1931 - September 7, 2021 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book