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Shiner Gazette
Another one of Shiner's prominent, respected and beloved citizens passed to eternal rest at 10:00 p.m, Wednesday, August 6, 1969, when Frank J. Novak breathed his last at the Frank Wagner Memorial Hospital where he was confined for 22 days. He had been in poor health for the past several years and attained the age of 78 years, 8 months and 10 days. His body reposed in state at the Buffington Funeral Home, Shiner, from where services were held at 2:45 p.m., Friday, August 8, continuing with Requiem Mass at 3:00 p.m. in the Shiner Catholic Church. The Rev. Father John J. Hanacek officiated and delivered a most comforting and fitting sermon. He paid tribute to his memory as being a devoted husband, father and grandfather and always tried to live a truly Christian life, attending Mass and other services regularly long as his health permitted. Burial was in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Eugene Henkhaus, Eugene Berger, Mark Studeny, all of Houston, Paul Zaruba and Henry Pesek, and a nephew, Victor Novak, all of Shiner. Rosary was recited at the funeral home Thursday at 7 p.m. by the Parish led by Rev. Hanacek and by the KJT Lodge at 7:15 p.m. led by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Targac. Frank John Novak was born November 26, 1890 at Praha, Fayette County, Texas, son of Bernard and Frances (Novak) Novak, who came to America, shortly after their marriage, from Czechoslovakia, and settled at Praha. In 1891, the family moved to the Shiner community where they reared their family. He was married to Annie Hajek on November 20, 1916, in Sts. Cyril and Methodius' Catholic Church, Shiner, by the Rev. Fred Neubert. The couple made their home on a farm on Route 2, Yoakum, near Shiner, until February, 1969 when they moved to their new home in Shiner at 213 West Bozka St. Mr. Novak was a member of the KJT Society and the Shiner Catholic Church. Members of the Society attanded the last rites in a body. He was a talented and accomplished musician having played the guitar and was associated with the KCB and Novak Bands. His love for music was evidenced by the floral offering designed in the form of a guitar, a tribute from his children. Surviving are his devoted wife, Mrs. Frank (Annie) Novak of Shiner; one son, George (Red) Novak of Houston; four daughters, Mrs. Milton (Emma) Westphal, Mrs. E. J. (Adel) Henkhaus, Mrs. Mildred Zaruba, all of Shiner; and Mrs. Ben (Edith) Studeny of Houston; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. John (Mary) Eicher Sr. of Route 2, Yoakum and Miss Annie Novak of Shiner. He was preceded in death by his father, who died November 21, 1920; his mother died February 9, 1933; four brothers and a sister, Ben J. on June 27, 1939, Anton W. on February 11, 1960, John on December 17, 1962, B. Emil on July 12, 1965 and Miss Frances Novak died May 9, 1961. The esteem in which he was held was evidenced in the myriad of flowers and the large assemblage of relatives and friends that came to pay their last homage of respect. He left a wide circle of friends throughout this section who deeply regret his departure and mourn with his loved ones.
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