Lois L. Novak, 87, of Florence, Wis., passed away Sunday, April 18, 2010, at Dickinson County Healthcare System, Iron Mountain. She was born October 23, 1922, in Florence, Wis., daughter of the late Adolph and Helen (Small) Swanson. Lois attended school in Florence, and graduated valedictorian from Florence High School, Class of 1940. She married Ray E. Novak on May 29, 1941, at her parents' home in Florence, which was the same home she was born in. Lois and Ray moved to Chicago to work and resided there until 1945, when they returned to Florence. Lois worked as deputy for the Florence County Sherriff's Department before working as a clerk for the United States Postal Service. She worked for the postal service until her retirement in 1984. Over the years while living in Florence, Lois helped operate Swanson's Trading Post, a business her family started in 1941. She was a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church, Florence; a Past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 44; a member of the VFW Auxiliary; Lady Elks, Iron Mountain; Young at Heart, Florence; and the Commonwealth Sportsman Club, Commonwealth, Wis. Lois is survived by her loving husband of over 68 years, Ray Novak; four sons, Raymond (Pat) Novak, John Novak, both of Green Bay, Wis., Donald Novak, Niagara, Wis., Greg (Lisa) Novak, Florence; two daughters, Lori (Todd) Patterson, Florence, Lois Ann (Frank DeCleene) Johnson, Florence, Wis.; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clifford and Ed Swanson; one sister, Arla Griggs; one grandson, Mike Novak; and one son-in-law, David R. Johnson. You may light a candle in remembrance of Lois or leave a condolence for her family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, is serving the family. Visitation will be Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Florence. The Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 44 will conduct their memorial service, 10:45 a.m. Saturday, at the church. A memorial service will follow 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Douglas Johnson will officiate.