MENDOTA - Allen Edward Novak, 77, of Mendota passed away Aug. 10, 2020 at his home.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota under the requirements of face masks and social distancing. A private family only service will be at noon with Rev. Jon Wenger officiating. Burial will follow at Clarion Cemetery with military honors by Mendota VFW Post 4079.

Pallbearers will be Nicholas Novak, Madeline Novak, Allysia Jaques, Anthony Jaques, Caitlin Donnelly, Keegan Donnelly, Travis Donnelly, Joshua Garcia, and Raphael Garcia. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tim Funfsinn, Bill Johnson and Craig Varo.

Allen was born March 20, 1943 in New Prague, Minn. to Edward and Goldie (Jahn) Novak. He married the love of his life, Virginia Hansen of Ruthven, Iowa on Dec. 23, 1967.

Survivors include his wife of Mendota; one son, Michael (Nancy) of Richmond, Va.; three daughters, Dawn Jaques of Shabbona, Deanna (Bernie) Donnelly of DeKalb and Janelle (George) Garcia of Mendota; 11 grandchildren, Nicholas Novak, Madeline Novak, Allysia Jaques, Anthony Jaques, Caitlin Donnelly, Keegan Donnelly, Travis Donnelly, Joshua Garcia, Alicia Garcia, Raphael Garcia and Dallas Garcia-Rameriz; one great-grandson, Lionel Jaques, and soon to-be great-grandson, Ezekiel Allen; eight step great-grandchildren; four sisters, Carole (Leon) Goldenman, Linda Novak, Jeanne (Tom) Sween and Joni Novak; and Tim Funfsinn, to whom he was also a father figure.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his furry friend, Lucy.

Allen grew up and attended schools in New Prague. He attended Waldorf College and the University of Minnesota graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. After graduation, he relocated to Mendota to work for Del Monte Foods for over 25 years. Following his time at Del Monte, he followed his passion for gardening and canning. This culminated in the formation of “Feathered Friends Country Creation Canned Goods” and resulted in the creation of over 100 variations of jams, jellies, pickles and salsas. Allen and Virginia could be found selling these home canned goods at many local festivals and craft fairs. Allen always engaged potential customers and encouraged them to try the goods before they bought them. He and Virginia enjoyed traveling across the United States each spring in their RV. He took an active role in the church community by serving on church council, providing Bibles to those in need and financially supporting Christian education.

Cards and condolences to the family may be sent to Merritt Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the Ottawa Christian Academy and Beren Missions in Thailand.