Ralph Novak, 94, of Blair, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2021. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. at Campbell-Aman Funeral Home on Sunday, September 19, 2021. Services will be held Monday, September 20, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Blair, with internment at the Blair Cemetery immediately following.
Ralph Novak was born March 6, 1927, on the family homestead to Walter and Mary (Knutsen) Novak. He was baptized October 23, 1927, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Orum, NE. He attended McCarthy Country School. He was united in marriage to Marie Hansen at First Lutheran Church in Blair on June 10, 1949. They had three children, Ron, Gary and Jolene.
Ralph and Marie lived on the family farm and raised livestock for over sixty years. Along with farming, Ralph was very involved with the Washington County 4-H program. He served as a club leader for 15 years and was a fair board member for 17 years. At one point, four generations of Novak men including Joseph, Walter, Ralph and Ron farmed together. Homesteaded in 1873 by Ralph's great-great grandparents Niels Peter Borup and Anna Catharina (Hecker) Borup, the land grant was recognized by President Ulysses S. Grant.
Ralph enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid picture taker and documented family gatherings, farm equipment and livestock. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, good neighbor, dedicated farmer, and beloved father and grandfather.
Preceding Ralph in death were his parents and wife of 65 years, Marie.
Survivors include his sons Ron (Vicki) Novak, Gary Novak (Laurie Hayes) daughter Jolene (Marty) Hug, grandchildren Crystal (Brian) Brislen, Susanne (JP) Haas, Colleen Novak, Shawna Novak (Jeff Nilges), Bradley (Angie) Hug-Novak, Kiley Hug and sisters-in-law Lila Gosker and Lorraine Mencke.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Washington County Fair, 597 Grant St #200, Blair, NE 68008, to place a memorial bench honoring Ralph at the fairgrounds.
