Otto C. Novak Jr.

• Served  2/21/44 – 5/28/46
• World War II, Pacific Theater
• Electrician’s Mate 2/c SVV6 USNR
• Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medals

Otto C. Novak, Jr. was born in Chicago on November 30, 1925 with his twin sister to Blanche and Otto Novak, Sr. As a boy, Otto Jr. was active in Sokol, a Bohemian gymnastics club, and worked in his grandfather’s grocery store. Although he was voted class valedictorian at Harrison High School, his humility would not allow him to deliver the commencement speech, so he dropped out to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Otto trained in Farragut Idaho, was stationed in Oceanside California and served on the USS Rockbridge during World War I I. Otto attained the rank of Electrician’s Mate 2/c SVV6 USNR. During his service between , Otto received Victory, American Area Campaign and Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medals.
Upon discharge from the Navy, Otto lived in Berwyn, Illinois, met and married Elaine (his wife of 48 years), and went to work for Illinois Bell Telephone Co. as an installer. He obtained his G.E.D., sang tenor in the Berwyn United Lutheran Church choir and local plays, enjoyed cribbage, bridge, pinochle, bowling, opera, and the ballet. Otto and Elaine had 2 children, Otto III and Carla, and spent their annual summer vacations fishing in Siren, Wisconsin.
Otto was promoted to increasing levels of responsibility at Illinois Bell including a promotion to Wire Chief which necessitated the family’s move to Wheaton, Illinois. Otto retired after nearly 40 years of perfect attendance.
Otto passed on June 26, 1995, and will always be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family and work.