Irene Marie Novak, 83, of Solon, died Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at Mercy Hospital after a sudden illness.  Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 10, 2008 at Brosh Chapel in Solon, with Rev. Scott Meador presiding.  Burial will follow in Shueyville Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday at Brosh Chapel in Solon.

Irene was born September 20, 1925 in rural Solon, the daughter of Roy and Bessie Jansa Vanorny.  She married William E. Novak on May 7, 1946 at Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. Irene and Bill farmed for many years in the Oxford area until 1985.  She loved to bake kolaches, make noodles, garden, watch birds, grow flowers, make quilts, photography and scrapbooking.   They enjoyed going to Polka dances throughout the Midwest.  Their dancing took them to Nebraska, Minnesota, and many stops in Iowa.  She enjoyed the time spent visiting with her family and friends.  She loved her family and was proud of them, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Irene is survived by her daughter Connie (Steve) Short of Solon; sons, William (Marcia) Novak and Norman (Lisa) Novak all of Oxford; grandchildren, Kelly (Brad) Peterson, Jennifer (John) Nau,  William (Kirsten) Novak, Joe Henkelman, Michael (Erin Rieman) Henkelman, John Cole, Shanda, Alex and Shelby Novak, Kaci and Samantha Short; great-grandchildren August Nau, Adalyn Novak, and a great-granddaughter due in March of 2009; a brother Leonard (Karen)Vanorny in Solon.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William on January 25, 2005, and a sister- in-law Gloria Vanorny.

Memorials may be directed to the Solon Volunteer First Responders.

A special thank you to the Solon First Responders and to the staff at Mercy Hospital IC/ER for the care.