Gregory 'Twig' Novak enjoyed historic homes and cars
Gregory "Twig" Novak, a former Columbia resident, died Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, at NorthCare Hospice in North Kansas City. He was 62.
Mr. Novak was born Feb. 17, 1949, in Lansing, Mich., to Alfred and Helen Betty Novak and was the second of three boys in the family. He grew up primarily in East Lansing, Mich., and Columbia but also spent time in California, England and Colorado.
After graduating from Hickman High School in 1968, Mr. Novak attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1972. After college, he moved to Kansas City and founded Plaza Insurance Agency.
Mr. Novak got his nickname when working as the student manager of the Michigan State University varsity baseball team.
He loved historic homes and cars, and he owned several historic properties, including the Duck Pond House near Loose Park in Kansas City, the Krug Mansion and the Ogden House in St. Joseph.
Mr. Novak is survived by his brothers, Paul Novak of Miami and David Novak of Fountain Hills, Ariz.
A memorial service will be held for Mr. Novak on at 2 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park, Kansas City.
The family requests contributions be made to the Kansas City Rose Society through the Memory Rose program, c/o Mrs. Sandy Campuzano, 8219 Reeds Lane, Prairie Village, KS 66208.
