Edward Norman Novak, 92, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away on April 6, 2026, at West Hills Village nursing facility under hospice care.

Services are pending.

Ed was born on December 31, 1933, on the family farm north of Wagner, SD, to Adolph and Rose (Cihak) Novak. He attended Bryan Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from Wagner High School in 1952.

Following graduation, Ed served his country in the United States Army. After completing basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, he was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for two years before being honorably discharged in 1956.

On June 5, 1957, Ed was united in marriage to Joan Kuhlman at St. John’s Catholic Church in Wagner. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Ed devoted his life to farming until his retirement in 2003. In 2012, he and Joan moved into Wagner.

Ed was a dedicated member of his community, especially St. John’s Catholic Church, where he served as a member of the Altar Society, a lector, and a longtime usher. He also contributed his time and leadership on the Wagner Community School Board and the Wagner Memorial Hospital Board.

Ed found joy in simple pleasures—bowling, dancing (especially polkas), and working on puzzles. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and took special delight in watching Molly B. Polka Party.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joan; daughters Robbie Novak and Sheri (Todd) Bartunek of Rapid City, SD; son Brad (Pam) Novak of Newark, Vermont; grandchildren: Heather Archambeau, Jared (Jennifer) Archambeau, Tyler (Cindy) Bartunek, Myles (Joslin) Bartunek of Rapid City, SD, Zach (Megan) Bartunek of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Bill Wescot of Littleton, Vermont; thirteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Don (Bonnie) Novak; sisters: Arlene (Buck) Siebrand, Betty (Chris) Christensen, and Sylvia (Charles) Foster; his infant brother James Novak; his daughter Janelle Novak; and his great-grandson Teryn Bartunek.

Ed will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his devotion to his faith and community, and the love he shared with his family.