John Martin Novak

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION

John Novak started his fly-fishing journey in heaven on September 9th, 2019. A life-long fly-fisher, it's natural that he died along his beloved Au Sable River, at his house, which he and his wife Connie made their year-round residence in 2004. John worked tirelessly toward the conservation and betterment of the Au Sable, and served on the Anglers of the Au Sable Board of Directors for 25 years at the special request of noted angler Rusty Gates, who said he needed someone with "common sense".

A family man, John loved spending time with his son, daughter, and grandchildren. A Navy Veteran, John served in Vietnam, after which he joined Ford Motor Company as a tool and die maker. John retired from Ford Motor Company in 2004, where both he and his wife Connie worked most of their professional lives. In 2007, John barely survived a terrible automobile accident and battled back against all odds to be able to have great and productive years along the river. He proudly attended Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church.

Survived by his wife of 40 years, Connie; children, Ken Wheaton and Bethany (Minis) Hillis of Savannah, GA; grandchildren, Jessica, Jacob, Hunter, Houston and Hali; and siblings, Al (Jill) Novak of Grand Rapids and Janice (Eugene) Bacungan of Ypsilanti. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Novak. His legacy along the river, his constant volunteerism, his storytelling and honest appraisals and advice will be missed by his river family.

John's ashes will be spread along the Au Sable River. Memorial services will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 5, 2020 at Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church, Grayling, MI.

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.