Arlene Jean Novak passed into eternal peace with family by her side on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. She was 92 and will join her beloved husband, ElRoy, who passed away February 7, 2017.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday at Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Burial will follow at the Czech National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:30 P.M. Friday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 2nd Street S.E., Cedar Rapids.

Arlene was born July 30, 1924 in Cedar Rapids to Wencil and Anna Dvorak. She graduated from Wilson High School in June of 1942. During World War II, she worked for the United States Navy Department. On June 1, 1946 she married ElRoy Novak, her high school sweetheart, at Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church. Arlene worked for several years as a checker at Hy-Vee and enjoyed "choir practice" with her co-workers. She also worked in the family business, Novak Monument Company.

Arlene was an active member of Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church, belonged to Saint Monica's Circle and so enjoyed the wonderful ladies of the Circle, especially, when making kolaches.

The annual Christmas Eve parties, hosted by Arlene, were the "gathering of the year" for many relatives and friends. Arlene's many friends, both young and old, were always welcomed to the Novaks' home, whether to visit or to live. Arlene and ElRoy's neighbors in Marion became like family to them with numerous pizza parties.
Arlene was a mentor to many throughout the years. Most important to Arlene, though, was spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she dearly loved.

Arlene is survived by her children, James (Kristin) Novak of Cedar Rapids, Terry (Valerie) Novak of Dillon, Colorado, and Candy Shelton of Marion; grandchildren, Rich (Rhonda), Ryan (Katie), Kyle, Tiffany, Erik (Amanda), Evan and Lucas (Melea); and great-granddaughters, Ella, Brooke, Lauren and Aubree.

She was preceded in death by her husband ElRoy, of 70 years, parents, and brothers, Leonard and Wesley Dvorak.

Arlene's family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring nurses at St. Luke's.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs under obituaries.