Robert J. Novak, 99, of Roseville, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his devoted daughters, Christine of Royal Oak, Rita of Chicago, IL, Marian of Northville, and Cindy of Roseville, on March 16, 2026.
Robert (Bob) was predeceased by his beloved wife, Isabell (nee Asselin), his parents Andrew and Julia (Gerba) Novak, and siblings Richard, and Erma Boucher. He is survived by his daughters, many loving nieces and nephews, and caring friends and community members.
Born in Detroit on January 17, 1927, Bob was a member of the “Greatest Generation,” starting his young life as a U.S. Marine in the Pacific Arena in November 1944. After the war, he concluded his service on the Hawaiian Islands, assigned to a service depot, which allowed him to explore the islands’ beauty on a motorcycle. He never lost interest in mechanical pursuits, especially cars and motorcycles, or in the adventures of those formative days.
Shortly after returning home, he had the greatest adventure of his life: he met Isabell, the love of a lifetime, on Belle Island. They married, raised four daughters, and lived happily together for 67 years in Roseville. Isabell’s lightheartedness balanced Bob’s more serious nature, and his pragmatism offered her security and dependability.
With a knack for fixing things, Bob began working as a mechanic and rose to become owner of a trucking company, PEP Lines Trucking Co. Later, he sold trucks and trailers and then managed the quality of large military equipment at the Detroit Arensal Tank Plant in Warren.
He embodied the virtues of his era: decency, civility, and commitment. He was devoted to his family, engaged with his church, St. Pio (formerly St. Athanasius), and community. He was a good neighbor and extended a helping hand to many in need. As a natural pragmatist, he never lost sight of higher values, honesty, integrity, and hard work. As the years progressed, his strength and character drew young people to him for companionship and advice. He was devoted to the work at Boy’s Town, in Nebraska.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Kaul Funeral Home of Roseville. He will lie in state Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. until the time of the mass at St. Pio of Pietrelcina (formerly St. Athanasius) of Roseville.
