Ernest William Novack Jr., 84, of Noblesville, died Dec. 29, 2014 at his residence. Born Jan. 1, 1930 in Decatur, Ill., he was the son of Ernest and Clara (Hill) Novack.
He graduated from Decatur High School in 1947 and Millikin University in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After graduation from high school, he played four seasons of minor league baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization. His baseball career was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army and served 21 months during the Korean conflict. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf, the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, the United Nations Ribbon, and the American Spirit Medal.
Upon graduation from Millikin University, he was hired by the Kroger Co. and continued to be employed there for the next 38 years in the retail and manufacturing divisions. He had responsibilities in personnel and labor relations in the Peoria retail division and was personnel and labor relations manager for the Cleveland bakery and the baked foods division in Cincinnati. He was manager of the Memphis bakery and the Indianapolis bakery. He was manager of human resources for the central marketing area when he retired in 1994.
He loved to read, take pictures, and had a great sense of humor. He was a proud, but humble man, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was most proud that he had served his country with honor and raised his children to know the Lord Jesus. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher, usher, and elder and sang bass in the church choir.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Kathryn Novack; children, David (Tina) Novack, Douglas (Angela) Novack, Elaine (Michael) Stewart, Elizabeth (Tracy) Brown, Daniel (Jennifer) Novack and Evelyn (Joseph) McDonald; grandchildren, Tiffany, Amber, Alex, Emily, Mollie, Rachel, Jared, Nathan, Sam, Aubrey, Joshua, Sarah, Cianna, Mallory and Lauren; and sister, Twylah Atwood. His parents preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 3 at Christ Lutheran Church, 10055 E. 186th St., Noblesville, with the Rev. Adrian Piazza officiating. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 2 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Home, 1150 Logan St., Noblesville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church; Riverview Health Foundation; American Heart Association; American Cancer Society; or Millikan University. Online condolences may be made at www.randallroberts.com.
