Allan “Al” J. Novak

Allan James Novak, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home at the age of 77.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his sisters, Charlotte Guile and Joyce Novak, and nephews Michael Guile, Jeff Guile and Eric Latus.

He is survived by his former wife, Sandra Novak; his daughters, Kimberly Baker (Jason) and Shannon Lach; his beloved grandchildren, Colin Baker, Julia Baker, Ellie Lach and Oliver Lach; his sisters, Jean Simon and Carol Tetzlaff; his sisters-and-brothers-in-law, Diane and Ken Latus, Bruce and Joan Smith, and Bonnie and Dave Leffin; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Growing up surrounded by sisters prepared Al well for being a girl dad, a role he cherished deeply. He proudly cheered his daughters on at pom competitions, while also teaching them to fish and appreciate Wisconsin sports. Al’s favorite pastime was watching the Brewers. He would often call his daughters to recount an especially exciting inning, somehow stretching the retelling to last longer than the inning itself.

Al built a long career working as a Materials Specialist at GE Medical Systems. In retirement, he found joy in life’s quieter pleasures: napping, canoeing on a still lake, sitting outside on a beautiful day with a history or science fiction book in hand, and watching a game or playing cribbage or chess with Ken.

He was thoughtful and generous, known for giving “unique” gifts, lottery tickets, and sweet treats to his family. He especially loved gathering with family and treating everyone to a nice dinner out. Al embraced the holidays with enthusiasm, proudly wearing his Christmas suspenders and, as the years went by, looking more and more like Santa Claus.

Practical by nature, Al never took life too seriously. He famously put a tennis ball on his car antenna so he could easily spot it in a crowded parking lot. He loved to tell stories about the shenanigans he got into growing up, and he never missed an opportunity for a dad joke or a really bad pun.

Al had a lifelong love of music and a cassette tape collection that spanned decades. He also enjoyed playing his favorite songs on the keyboard and dabbling in fiction writing.

People often described Al as simply “a good guy.” He was kind, funny, genuine, and easy to be around.

More than anything, Al will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, humor, and the comforting presence he brought to those around him. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.

There will be no service at this time, but the family will share information at a later date regarding a celebration of Al’s life to be held this summer.

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