William “Bill” Novak, 57, died at home on Saturday, March 8, 2008. He was born in Racine on July 21, 1950, the son of James and Shirley (nee: Kvapil) Novak. Bill graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 1972. On October 1, 1988, he married Kathryn (nee: Chobanian) Tomaloff. Bill worked at the family business, Novak Appliance, from 1975 until it closed in 1992. He joined his wife Kathy as a licensed Realtor ® in 1993. Together, the team of Bill & Kathy Novak was affiliated with Prudential Heritage and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage before finding their home with the ERA Newport Realty Corporation family in March, 2002. Bill was a member of the National Association of Realtors®; the Wisconsin Realtors® Association; and the Racine Board of Realtors®, of which he served as president in 2007. He had served on the Metro Milwaukee MLS Board of Directors since 2001. As part of their real estate career, Bill and Kathy were members of the Racine BNI Pacesetters. Besides his passions for his family and work, Bill’s other passion was music. He sang in the senior choir of his home church, Holy Communion Lutheran. He was a proud baritone and also an assistant director of the Racine Dairy Statesmen; sang with several barbershop quartets over the years; and won two international medals during his 5 years with the Midwest Vocal Express Men’s a Cappella chorus of Greendale, WI. Bill was a Renaissance man who indulged many interests and hobbies. Film, science fiction, computers, art deco, motorcycles, radio, travel, literature, and, recently, gardening around the new home he shared with Kathy. These joys he shared with his family, friends, and especially his children. His truly was a life well lived. In addition to his wife Kathy, his survivors include his daughters Amanda (Patrick) Troutman of Raleigh, N.C. and Shana M. Novak of Boston; stepsons Michael (Amanda Below) Tomaloff of Madison and Christopher Tomaloff of Racine; grandchildren Noah and Lilly Troutman; his parents James and Shirley Novak of Racine; brothers Alan (Connie) Novak and their children, Ian, Alex, and Anna Novak; Brian (Julaine) Novak; and Kevin (Cheryl) Novak and their children Nikolaus, Jessica, Zachary, and Jacob Novak,; Kathy’s aunt, Harriet Rosinski, of Racine; as well as the many dear friends that Bill developed relationships with throughout the years. Bill will be especially missed by his beloved “boys,” Spats and Zed. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chuck and Gay Chobanian. A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at Holy Communion Lutheran Church (2000 W. 6th St) on Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Kathryn Brown officiating. There will be a visitation in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. and again in the church on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. Memorials have been suggested to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000 El Segundo, CA 90245); Holy Communion Capital Fund (2000 W. 6th St. Racine, WI 53405); Harmony Foundation (225 W. Washington Street, Suite 2330 Chicago, IL 60606); or Hospice Alliance (10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd. Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158). A very special thank you to Dr. Michael Mullane and his amazing staff at Oncology Alliance; Dr. Jennifer Brittig; Dr. Ted Cain; Hospice Alliance; and our ERA Newport family for the loving care and support that was provided over the last year.
June Eilers says
Kathy;
Our deepest sympathy to you an the family on Bill’s passing. I always remember Bill early in my real estate career and the helpful guidance he gave me and never forgotten. I enjoyed working on a few transactions with Bill (and yourself) and always found him to be so very professional and helpful. He certainly gave a grand fight and always seemed so very positive. God Bless you and yours. Thoughts and prayers have been with you.
June Eilers
Michael Tomaloff says
Susie Beck says
Mike,
I am so sorry to hear about your step-dad. Please accept my sympathies.
Keep smiling. God will show you the way.
Big squeezes!
Susie (amandas aunt)
The Wiliams Family says
To the Novak family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. –Marianne, Jason and Allie
Livy Melberg says
I am sorry that your stepdad died. My prayers are with you.
Kathy & Cole Rieke says
Chris,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Kathy & Cole Rieke
Jim Weinstein says
Both Zack and I are very sorry to hear about your loss.
Chris is Zack’s drum teacher at Antioch Music.
Brian Becmer says
Dear Chris and family,
I am sorry for the loss of your step father. Brian Becmer (drum student at Antioch Music Shop)
Lynda Smith says
Chris, we were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, we’re just a call away…God speed. Love, Lynda Smith and Andrew Matteucci
Rebecca Zahn says
Dear Kathy and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was so helpful when I started at ERA, and I will always remember him as a kind hearted, gentle soul.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Luke and Dawn Hamaty says
We are so sorry for your loss. We know how hard this has been for Amanda and the whole family. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Winfield family says
Chris–We’re all sorry to hear about your loss. You’re in our hearts and prayers.
Anthony, Keianna, Jasmine, Nancy, and Monique
Casey Walker says
Chris and family – Casey and I are sorry for your loss. Casey is a student of Chris’ at Antioch Music and is also in the Kilties with Chris.
Casey and Vicki Walker
Josh Weber & Family says
Chris we are sorry that your Step-Dad has passed on. We know this is a very sad time for you and your family. We are praying frequently for all of during this time.
Josh Weber & Family
Julie, Matt, and Dan O'Connor says
Dear Chris
Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time. Our family understands how difficult emotionally and physically it can be to have a loved one ill for a long period of time. We lost my mother to lung cancer several years ago and it takes a while to heal. Family and friends are so important during this time and over the next several months of healing. Take advantage of the love and support. It truly helps ease the pain. Chris we will see you soon. Sincerely, The O’Connor Family
Conor Mckenzie says
I think that it is terrible that he died, but he is in a better place now.
Brett Kincaid says
Chris,
I’m sorry your StepDad passed away. I hope you feel better. I hope to see you soon.
Dear Chris,
You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you with strength and peace during this very difficult time.
With our sympathy,
The Kincaid Family
Christopher says
Happy Anniversary, Bill.
Love,
Chris