Joyce Novak

Joyce M. Novak, 88, of Yankton, SD passed away Saturday June 6, 2026 at the Avera Sister James Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton. Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Dani Jo Bierwagen officiating. Burial will be in the Yankton Cemetery, Yankton, SD. Visitations will be 5 to 7 pm, Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory, Yankton, SD with a Scripture service at 7:00 pm. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com.

Joyce was born was on June 9th 1937, in Yankton, SD to Arthur and Gladys (Overgaard) Westergaard. She graduated from Wakonda High School and then married the love of her life, Alvin V. Novak, on December 31st 1955. They shared 50 wonderful years together until Alvin’s passing in 2005.

Joyce was a very hard worker; she would work side by side her loving husband in the field and at home. Hand in hand Joyce and Alvin built their dreams together on the farm near Tabor, SD. Joyce enjoyed her flowers, yellow roses her favorite as Alvin brought them home for her, and were planted outside her kitchen window. She always had a large garden which she cooked and canned everything she grew. With great joy they had three children; Alvin J., Joanie, and Patty. As a family they were heavily involved in Czech Heritage Club, and Farmers Union. Joyce will be remembered for her strong Christian faith, and loved her time spent at Christ the King Church.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alvin V.; her parents, Arthur and Gladys Westergaard; sister JeAnna, and grandson Oliver Gonsor.

Joyce is survived by her children Alvin J., Joanie and (Frank) Kloucek, Patty and (Willis) Gramkow; ten grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren.

Joyce will be remembered by her love of her Lord and always sacrificing for her family. “Are you hungry, can I make you something?” she would ask everyone who visited her home.