NOVAK, Joseph Edward 1884-1939

NOVAK, LEWIS

Posted By: Diane Scott (email)
Date: 10/11/2010 at 16:25:13

Joseph Edward Novak March 7, 1884 – October 31, 1939

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MITCHELL MAN, CLEANING GUN FOR HALLOWEEN PRANKSTERS VISITS, FATALLY SHOOTS SELF

Mitchell – While cleaning his shotgun in preparation for Halloween pranksters, Joe Novak, 55, fatally shot himself accidentally Tuesday afternoon at his home here.

The shot passed diagonally through his abdomen, piercing his heart. Mrs. Novak was preparing the evening meal when the accident occurred and she witnessed the shooting. Mr. Novak was a farmer and had lived in the Mitchell vicinity for 20 years.

Officers stated that they had learned that Novak’s farm had been raided by Halloween marauders for several years. This year he had stated he was determined he would suffer no further losses.

Coroner Dr. G. E. Krepelka, who conducted the investigation with Sheriff Charles Kathan, termed the shooting as accidental.

Surviving are his wife, four sons, Joe of Chicago; Benjamin of Cedar Rapids; Stanley of Osage; and Lewis of Mitchell; and one daughter; Mrs. Blanche Lewis of near Orchard. Funeral plans have not been completed.

Mason City Globe Gazette, Wednesday, November 1, 1939

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Joseph Novak was buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Mitchell Co., Iowa