William George Novak, 75, of Woodstock, formerly Arlington Heights, died in his home on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
William was born on September 15, 1945 in Chicago to parents William and Anne (nee Pasternak) Novak where he grew up eating home baked rosettes and perogies. After attending University of Wisconsin, Madison, on a football scholarship, he dedicated himself to his growing children. On August 23, 1986, he blended families when he married Theresa “Terri” Mainiero, and they spent 35 happy years together. William, better known as “Willy” to his family and “Bill” to his coworkers, was a dedicated man who worked diligently at Priority Mail and Messenger Service for dear friend and employer, Jack Bishop and Ed and Julie Samp, to provide for his family. While affectionately known as “Grumpa” to his grandchildren, he loved to spoil his family with homemade soups, chili, and shrimp cocktails. Summer vacations were spent fishing on Bear Lake with Patrick Ploof and digging in the garden. He looked forward to college football Saturdays when he could be found cheering for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and his own University of Wisconsin Badgers until Sunday when he supported his hometown, Chicago Bears. At Christmas, he shared his love of "The Christmas Story" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," and dutifully, his family indulged him with 24 hour viewings. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. William is survived by his beloved wife, Terri Novak, four children, Jacqui Murk, Lauren Novak, Tom (Felicia) Ploof, and Sharon Novak, eight grandchildren, Mollie, Cody, Sophie, Cassandra, Isabella, Jake, Mathew, and Owen, one great-granddaughter, Charlotte, son-in-law, David Murk, sister, Carol (Edmund) Oborny, brother-in-law Anthony (Audrie) Mainiero and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elaine Novak, his parents, William and Anne Novak, and his mother-in-law, Frances Mainero.
A memorial service to remember William’s life is being planned for a later date.
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Grandpa Willy (Grumpa) - We missed you a lot on Thanksgiving. Typical of your generous spirit - our turkey day dinner was made better by some crappies that you caught, cleaned, and froze last summer. They were delicious and tasted as fresh as if we were at Bear Lake. You made such a difference in so many people's lives, especially in my children's lives. Thanks.