Bernard “Bernie” Charles Novak was born June 8, 1936, at the family farm near Bee, to Charles and Martha (Busek) Novak and passed away surrounded by his family Jan. 14, 2025, in Seward, at the age of 88 years, 7 months and 6 days.
Bernie attended country school in Bee and began farming with his dad shortly after. He met Marilyn Hickman, and the couple started dating. Bernie and Marilyn were on vacation and spontaneously stopped near Valentine and got married May 21, 1966. Together, they raised four children, David, Dale, Kevin and Kimberly. Bernie worked numerous jobs during his life, including Rolfsmeier Dairy, Hughes Brothers in Seward, Ruby Co-op for 25 years and was a farmhand for local farmers. He enjoyed taking his grandson to NASCAR races. Bernie was a collector of unique things and found joy in thrift shopping and going to garage sales with Marilyn. Most of all, Bernie loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and loved spending time together.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn Novak; brother, Ray Novak; brothers-in-law, Herman Schmidt, Kent Kettenberg; sister-in-law Vickie Novak.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his children and spouses, Dave (Jody) Novak of Aurora, Dale (Sandy) Novak of Seward, Kevin (DeMaree) Novak of Seward, Kimberlee Rolfsmeier of Virginia Beach, Virginia; grandchildren, Blaze, Jayden, Emmelee, Tobias, Mikayla, Carleigh and Alyssa; great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Jazmine and Rhett; brother, Richard Novak of Seward; sisters, Bernadine Schmidt and Bernice Kettenberg, both of Seward; and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
A funeral service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
