Alfred Thomas Novacek

Alfred served in the Navy from February 1957 through February 1959, assigned to the Air Anti-Submarine Squadron Twenty-one and serving in Korea. He married the beautiful Yvonne Liska in 1978 and they spent a loving 32 years together.

An active member in Nebraska’s and Oregon’s Czech Communities, Alfred served as the Czech Society of Oregon’s Social and Publicity Committee Chairman. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 110, an active member of the Hollywood District Booster Board and the annual Ross Hollywood Veteran’s Day Parade, and organized the polka band and sauerkraut making demonstration every year for Oktoberfest at the Hollywood Farmers’ Market. Alfred is credited with bringing the Owl Polka from Czechoslovakia to the United States when he heard it on a trip with his mother in 1966. He tracked down the sheet music in Prague to bring home and the rest is history. There are some wonderful videos of him singing it during Czech Days festivals. Alfred also co-authored a book with Dr. Vladimir Kucera about the history of Czechs in Nebraska.

Alfred is survived by his step-sons Todd Walsh and Trevor Walsh and by numerous friends who will never be the same after knowing him. His enormous smile, caring attitude and friendship will be missed.