William “Bill” Novak, 89 of Mead, NE passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born May 10, 1934 in Malmo, NE to Rudolph and Frances (Chmelka) Novak. He attended kindergarten in a country school then attended Prague grade school before graduating from Wahoo High School in 1952.   Bill joined the U.S. National Guard on June 16, 1955 and was honorably discharged on June 15, 1958.

Bill married Donna Carpenter-Miller on October 21, 1954 in Sidney, IA. Bill and Donna had 6 children: Mike, Judy, Douglas, Kenneth, Les and Anjie.  In 1963, they were living in Wahoo when their house was flooded from 15 inches of rain that came through overnight. After the flash flood they moved to their acreage in rural Mead, where they raised their family and where they are currently living.  In his younger years Bill and Donna roller skated gracefully whenever they could fit in the time. Bill took pride in his ability to turn his hand to most anything that needed doing.  They raised hogs, turkeys (for sale) and for the table, and had some horses for their children’s pleasure.  Bill and Donna became well known for their elaborate Christmas displays that Bill engineered to have Santa and sleigh riding off the roof and many other things. He helped and encouraged Donna to decorate the inside of the house as well as the outside.  Many people came to spend time around the bonfire in their yard through the years as well as on summer and fall evenings.  He truly enjoyed playing marbles and cards with his family and friends in his later years.

He worked at Armco Steel in Wahoo until he retired in 1997 and after that he worked for a couple of area farmers with planting, harvesting, and irrigating, just stopping at the age of 85.  He was never at a loss for something to do and helped anyone of his neighbors that might need something done.

Bill was a long-time member of the Wahoo Eagles and played competitive shuffleboard there and was ever ready with a smile or a joke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth (Micki) Novak; daughter-in-law, Sissy Novak.

Bill is survived by his wife, Donna Novak; children, Mike (Sandy) Miller, Judy (Gary) Abbott, Douglas (Louise) Novak, Les (Jennifer) Novak, Anjie (Moe) Novak; grandchildren, Digger (Colleen) Novak, Mary Ann (Adam) Tranmer, Nikki (Paul) Spence, Raymond Novak, Ronnie Novak, Richard (Amy) Novak, Michelle (Todd) Smith, Sherri Novak, Brianna Novak, Kaeleigh Novak, Tristan (Leila) Novak, Sophia Novak, Ayla Lere’ (Tommy) Novak, Kim Cook, Tanya Joy Miller, Kane (Kristin) Miller, April Gabriel, Becky Miller, and Jason Mueller; 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Bill will be greatly missed by all.