Anton “Tony” Novak Sr., of Deerbrook, died Friday, August 21, 2020, at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers, Michigan. He was 87 years old. He was born on November 7, 1932, in Antigo, to Czechoslovakian immigrants John and Antonia (Jira) Novak. He married Lillian Steger on June 28, 1958, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Deerbrook.

He graduated from Antigo High School in 1955. He took courses at Antigo Vocational School for welding, machine shop, and refrigeration.

Mr. Novak served in the United States Army from November 13, 1952, to November 14, 1955, with the 82nd Airborne.

After working 18 years at Kraft Foods he started his own refrigeration company, ANCO Refrigeration, serving farmers and businesses in Langlade and surrounding counties.

He attended St. Matthew Lutheran Church, a life-long member of the Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post 3, Antigo and Paul Marmes Chapter 23, Disabled American Veterans, Antigo.

He loved Bohemian music and played trumpet, baritone, and button accordion with the Louie Zdrazil Band.
Tony enjoyed repairing the unfixable for others. During retirement, he made furniture and other varieties of wood products.

The last 2 1/2 years were spent under the compassionate care of Pinecrest Medical Center battling Alzheimer’s Disease.

Survivors include his wife, Lillian; three daughters, Joanie (Scot) Bauknecht-Peterson of Deerbrook, Kathy Novak of Appleton and Paula (John) Van Ooyen of Antigo; two sons, Jan (Sandy) Novak of Kaukauna and Tony Novak Jr. of Deerbrook; 19 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Bessie (Earl) Steger of Antigo; and a brother, Joe (Eva) Novak of Clintonville.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Gary Bauknecht; granddaughter, Lisa Bauknecht; great-grandson, Vincent Spotswood; a sister, Rosemary (Folkert) Wegter; brothers, Milo (Laurel) Novak and John (Rose Marie) Novak.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Radke officiating. Burial will take place in the Town of Summit Cemetery where Antigo veterans will provide military honors. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, N5674 Hwy E, Deerbrook, WI 54424