Ronald Owen Novak

Ronald Owen Novak, 92, passed away peacefully at home in Grants Pass, Oregon, on June 5, 2025. He was born on April 20, 1933, in Miller, Nebraska, to Joe and Grace Novak.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ron lived a long, happy, and fulfilling life rooted in love, faith, and family. He graduated from Buhl High School in 1952 and married Shirley Teare in April 1955. They shared 46 wonderful years together until her passing in 2001. In 2002, Ron was blessed to find love again and married Joyce Stempke, with whom he shared the rest of his life.

Ron was a man of deep faith, a warm smile, and an unwaveringly kind heart. He served honorably in the U.S. Army and went on to build a strong career in the tire industry. He owned his own Texaco service station in Boise, Idaho, worked for Firestone and General Tire, and later joined Les Schwab Tire. He managed several Les Schwab locations, including in Lewiston, Idaho; Sweet Home, Oregon; and finally Grants Pass, where he remained until his retirement.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Novak; sons Randy, Doug, Brent; daughter DeAnn; stepdaughters Jenny and Jean-Ann; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Louise Novak, and is also remembered by his three brothers and two sisters.

Ron loved his family deeply and devoted every spare moment to them. He took pride in his yard, always striving to make everything beautiful. He never met a stranger, always had a smile and a joke ready, and inspired those around him with his compassion, work ethic, and unwavering faith. He was active in his church and lived each day with a zest for life, always seeing the best in others.

A celebration of life will be at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Jerome Prairie Bible Church, 2564 Walnut Avenue, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527.

Ron Novak was a light in the lives of many and will be dearly missed

Please share a memory of Ronald in his guestbook.