Donald Novakovich

Donald “Nova” was born on July 27, 1957 in Chicago Illinois and after a long battle with cancer, he left this world for his eternal rest on January 13, 2021. He departed this life in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his immediate family. Don was the youngest of seven children, he grew up in Chicago, Il. with four brothers and two sisters. Don attended high school at Chicago Vocational High School. After marrying, he and his wife made their home in Indiana, first in Griffith and then in Crown Point, where his family remains. Don was an employee of U.S. Steel where he worked until his illness forced him to retire a little earlier than planned. Don was married to his “one and only” Cathy (Simmons) Novakovich. Together, Don and Cathy were the proud parents of three daughters, Veneta, Debra, and Emma Rae. There was nothing in this world that brought Don more joy than his daughters, until he was gifted with grandchildren. “Dad” and “Grandpa” were the two roles he most enjoyed in life. Don was an extraordinary father and lived an exemplary life, paving a road in life for his children to follow. He was loving, supportive, and generous to a fault. Don was the proud grandpa of sixteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He was excited to know there was another grand on the way. Second only to his wife, and family, was his love for music. Don played the bass guitar, he enjoyed listening to and making music. Don was an avid fisherman, camping and fishing were two of his favorite leisure time activities, his wife shared that love with him, as did his brothers and several grandsons. Don was never without a fishing companion when time allowed him to get out there and catch a big one. His fish tales will continue to be told time and time again. Don was preceded in death by his father, John J. Novakovich Sr., his mother, Dolores (Jandura) Novakovich, two brothers, John J. Novakovich Jr. and Louis Novakovich as well as many beloved family members. He is survived by his wife, Cathy (Simmons) Novakovich, his daughters Veneta (Jeremy) Leonard, Debra (Frank) Roberts and Emma Rae Novakovich, his brothers Dan (Leslie) Novakovich and Richard Novakovich, his sisters; Katherine Tedeschi and JoAnn (Jim) Novakovich, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sixteen grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. He will also be missed by his fur companions, Cooper and Mya. Don fought a valiant fight against Cancer. His determination to fight was not because he was fearful of leaving this world, it was because he did not want his departing this life to cause his family heartache. That is who he was, there was not a day in his adult life that he did not put another before himself. He will be forever be remembered by all that were lucky enough to know him. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service. A private interment will be in the Wise-Robinson Cemetery near Ozark. Memorials may be made to Wise-Robinson Cemetery, c/o Rhonda O’Neal, 1255 Ozark Road, Ozark, Illinois 62972.

Donald Novakovich

July 27, 1957 - January 13, 2021