Faculty @ Jefferson Gymnastic Coach ~ Tom Novak ~ Sept 19, 1932May 4, 2013

Thomas Lee Novak

Thomas Lee Novak, 80, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Saturday, May 4, 2013, surrounded by family members in his home. Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Thomas Osterkamp. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 pm Wednesday, May 8 at the funeral home. Military Honors will be conducted by the VFW Post 788. Burial: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 57 years, Della; his children, Victoria (John) Daniel of Appleton, Wisconsin, Lee (Jossy) Novak and Lori (Brian) Long, both of Cedar Rapids; his granddaughter, Lexi Novak; three brothers, Jim (Rosemary), Melvin, both of Cedar Rapids and Ted (Ellyne) Novak of Sacramento, California; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Lois Novak.
Tom was born September 19, 1932, the son of Frank and Matilda (Triska) Novak, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. On September 2, 1956, Thomas was united in marriage to Della Dostal at the Trinity Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids.
Tom enrolled in the Dale Carnegie classes. The result of this class was his becoming class champion. This inspired him to enroll at the University of Iowa, where he received his Master’s Degree in Physical Education in 1960. Tom was a member of the U of I gymnastics team and was co-captain of the 1958-59 team. He went on to teach physical education for the Cedar Rapids School District, where he also coached track, wrestling and gymnastics. Some of his accomplishments at Jefferson High School was winning two state championship titles. Tom also coached Sokol gymnastics for many years. He retired from the school district in 1990.
He loved running 5K and 10K races where he won many awards. Tom looked forward to participating at the Iowa Senior Olympic Games in Des Moines. He was a member of the Cedar Valley Running Association. Many members said Tom was an inspiration to them all. Tom enjoyed many vacations to Disney World, Florida and Texas with his family. He also loved spending time with his granddaughter, Lexi and enjoyed watching her play sports. After his retirement, Tom continued his passion for gymnastics by working with young gymnasts at Somersault Gymnastics for many years. He also was employed by Hy-Vee for ten years.
Tom was always known as a very kind and generous person who was always willing to help people. Tom will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Good News Baptist Church, 1203 3rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, in memory of Tom.

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