Josephine Ann Novak

1921 - 2015

Josephine Ann Novak obituary, 1921-2015, Leawood, KS

BORN

1921

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

McGilley State Line Chapel

12301 State Line Road

Kansas City, Missouri

Josephine Novak Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 31, 2015.

Josephine (Hocevar-DoLance) Novak was born May 7, 1921 to Josephine Lipoglav and John Hocevar who were both immigrants from Slovenia. She passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at home on March 29, 2015 which was five years to the day of the death of her second husband Frank Novak. Jo was predeceased by her first husband, Harry DoLance, her only son, Larry DoLance (1987) and her siblings, John Hocevar, Wilma Wilkerson and Leo Hocevar.
Jo graduated from Arma High School in 1939. From there she followed her older sister's footsteps and completed her Registered Nursing degree from Saint Joseph Hospital School of Nursing on May 31, 1942. She quickly attained her first job as the Chief Ground Nurse for TWA. She initially was going to apply to be a stewardess but went for the nursing position because it paid more. It turned out to be a smart decision because as she later found out, she was terrified of flying and would not have lasted long in the friendly skies.
Following the end of WWII, she married her first husband Harry DoLance in 1945. In the mid 50's they built a mid-century modern home from the ground up. It was a special home filled with many unique features and lots of love. Together they had two children, Larry and Vicki. However, when she became pregnant with Larry she had to leave her job at TWA. Her next job was with the Visiting Nurse Association where she worked for over 25 years.
After Harry died, she started a long-distance courtship with Frank, an old childhood classmate, who lived in Bremerton, Washington. She finally agreed to marry him on one condition: that they return to Kansas City upon his retirement. He agreed. She moved to Bremerton and started her third job with the Kitsap County Health Department. Jo and Frank had a pretty wonderful marriage for 33 years.
Jo was extremely proud of the fact that she only had three jobs in her lifetime and that she was hired on-the-spot at each initial interview. She had many long-lasting friendships from each. She also was thankful that she was lucky enough to be married to two wonderful men. She lived a long life, led by example, and will be sorely missed by those that loved her most.
Jo's service will be held Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Christ the King Church, 85th and Wornall, KCMO. The rosary will be said at 10:00 am followed by a visitation. Mass will be at 11:00 am followed by lunch in the church basement. She is survived by her daughter Vicki DoLance-Van Engen, three granddaughters: Jenna Yoder (Glen), Jozy Van Engen and Andra Van Engen, her great-grandson Brayden and her ever faithful grandpuppies Pookie, Lady and Maggie Sue and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64137 or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Josephine Novak

What is your first memory of Josephine?

Share a favorite memory you have of Josephine.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Josephine.

Describe a time when Josephine made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Josephine?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Josephine.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Josephine.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Josephine.

What is something you learned from Josephine?

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

May 3, 2015

Joyce& Skip Willrett

I am so sad to hear that Jo has passed away. She was a great neighbor for many years. She made the best quiche. We did a lot of trout fishing and had them smoked. Jo would make quiche with the trout. I really miss that quiche. R.I.P. Jo.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Josephine Novak's name

Memorial Events
for Josephine Novak

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

McGilley State Line Chapel

12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145

How to support Josephine's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Josephine Novak's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more