John William Novak

The Rev. John William Novak passed away, at home, on April 16, 2021. He was born in Elyria, Ohio on July 10, 1942 to John and Grace Novak. William graduated from Wittenberg University in 1964 and Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1967. He completed his graduate work in Systematic Theology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Rev. Novak was pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for thirty-seven years and was an adjunct professor at the University of Indianapolis and Christian Theological Seminary for many years. He was president of the Meridian-Kessler Development Corporation for over twenty years and received the Inaugural Distinguished Leadership Award for exceptional and comprehensive contributions to the community through vision, commitment, knowledge, guidance, and service from 1970-2007.

He was honored with the highest award the Governor of the State of Indiana bestows, being named a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1995. This was the heightened by a beautifully framed letter of praise from the city in which Mayor Goldsmith decreed February 12, 1995 J. William Novak Day. He was celebrated as a man whose focus and achievements strengthened individual well-being, enriched a congregation, and improved a city.

Pastor Novak is survived by his wife, Myra; daughter, Susan Buroker (Andrew) and granddaughters, Abigail and Olivia Buroker.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, a private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 526 East 52nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205 or to Christian Theological Seminary at 1000 W. 42nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208.