DEAN ELLIS NOVAK

Dean Ellis Novak, 69, of Republic passed away surrounded by his family, on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. He was born on June 19, 1954, in Denison, Texas to Marvin and Bertha (Smith) Novak, the oldest of five children in the home.
He married Ruth on New Year’s Eve, 1988 at Hope Lutheran Church. They recently celebrated their 35th year together.
He was a church elder, held several elected offices, was a Sunday school teacher, was in the choir, and most recently played guitar in the Hope Orchestra.
He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force and served his country proudly, during the Vietnam Era, in Law Enforcement in both Texas and Guam.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; his children, Susan Michelle Fears and Marc Jeffrey Jorgensen; daughters-in-law, Christy Jorgensen, Kelly Marie Jorgensen Hicks and Brandi Novak Butler; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; his twin sisters, JaLinda Novak and LaCinda Lee; baby sister, Charlotte (John) Plaia; sisters-in-law, Cecelia Hernandez Novak, Mary Goplen, Sonia Stehr and Ann Goplen; his father-in-law, Francis A. Goplen; six nephews and their families; and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale E. Novak; his parents; stepfather, Jere McCarthy; and mother-in-law Edith Goplen.
A memorial visitation will be held from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at Hope Lutheran Church. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Missouri Veteran Cemetery at 3 p.m., where he will receive full military honor.