Daniel P. Novak

Daniel P. Novak was born July 19, 1924 in Chicago to Peter and Matilda (nee Wojtynek) Novak. He Died July 29, 2015 at Rainbow Hospice Ark in Park Ridge.Dan grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago, a resident of Gladstone Park. As a youth, he played hockey with the Chicago Americans hockey team. He attended Taft High School. His nickname was Hap, because he was happy and fun to be around. His college education was interrupted by World War II. After the war he earned his degree at Northwestern University. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon social fraternity.Dan served in the European theatre in WW II and was awarded the Combat Infantryman badge, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star. His memories of the war included training with the Advance Specialized Training Program (ASTP), and a battle in Urbach Germany where his unit, the 13th Armored Infantry, 59th Battalion, incurred casualties. At a Veterans presentation ceremony, Dan humbly addressed the other vets, saying, We were the lucky ones; a heartfelt prayer of thanks to their fallen friends.Dan met Bette Burger after the war and they were married in 1947. Dan was unequivocal that he lived a great life, been blessed with Bette, his one true love for 66 years of marriage, and was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.Dan never forgot his childhood friends, maintaining these friendships his whole life. Like his brother Pete, Dan loved cars, and enjoyed taking his sons to the Chicago Auto Show." Dan also coached his sons in hockey, helping with the Park Ridge Hockey organization. An avid golfer, Dan played golf into his 80"s. Dan and his wife Bette belonged to Rolling Green Country Club.Dan was a strong and gracious gentleman, unstinting in his love and support for his family. In business and life, he would not take short cuts, condone unethical behavior, or give less than 100%. This credo served him well, as Dan enjoyed success in his career with Frank Mayer and Associates, selling point-of-purchase advertising and managing sales teams. One former customer recently told Dan, "You were my compass", this comment coming 30 years after their work relationship ended.Dad was steadfast in his Catholic faith and his prayers were answered with his calling.Daniel is survived by his children, Mark D. (Patty) Novak, Katie (Steve) Lescohier, Mike J. (Alice) Novak, Eric "Rick" W. (Susanne) Novak, and Dan (Carol) Novak; grandchildren, Emily, Mark, Andrew, Matthew, Joseph, Michael, Erik, Sarah, Karl, Jimmy, John, and Haley; great-grandson, Samuel; and by his brother Peter (Beverly) Novak and by many nieces and nephews.Daniel was preceded in death by his wife Bette (nee Burger) and by his parents.Visitation Thursday, August 6, 2015 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Glueckert Funeral Home Ltd.1520 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Prayers 8:45 am, Friday, August 7, 2015 at the funeral home proceeding to Our Lady of the Wayside, 440 S. Mitchell, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, for a 9:30 a.m. Memorial Mass. Inurnment is private.In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Rainbow Hospice Ark, 1601 N. Western, Park Ridge, IL 60068"" rainbowhospice.org Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.