This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Army Specialist Shaun Allen Novak who was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on February 12, 1985 and passed away on August 27, 2006 at the age of 21. Shaun was our lover, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and, most of all, our friend. We will remember him forever.
Shaun was the first child born to Randy and Brenda (Mott) Novak. Later he was joined by a younger brother, Danny. He was a fun-loving and outgoing young man who was always a joy to have around.
While in high school Shaun enjoyed playing basketball in a local rec league. He spent his time working at Port Sandy Bay making pizzas and earning money to spend on his beloved Dodge Neon. Video games and all other electronic gadgets were also an important part of Shaun's life.
After graduating from Two Rivers High School in 2003 Shaun attended UW-Manitowoc. However; after a year of college he decided to postpone his educational career to join the United States Army. His decision to enlist was also a decision to follow in the footsteps of Shaun's own hero, his grandfather Stanley Mott, a Korean War Veteran. Shaun enlisted in the summer of 2004, leaving for basic training at Fort Benning, GA on Aug. 24, 2004.
Upon completing basic training Shaun was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, TX. Luckily some of Shaun's best "army friends" were stationed there along with him, making for an easier time adjusting to living away from home and many good memories. In May of 2005 Shaun's girlfriend moved to Texas to be with him for the summer; together they created many cherished memories.
On December 12, 2005 Shaun left Ft. Hood, TX for his first deployment, spending the rest of December in Kuwait before arriving in Iraq on January 1, 2006 where he was stationed just north of Baghdad in Taji, Iraq.
In April 2006 Shaun came home one final time on a two week R&R from Iraq. The two weeks flew by with Shaun spending all of his time with his girlfriend, friends and family. Between the bonfires, Brewer games, dinners and late-night talks many happy memories were made in this short span of time. During his R&R Shaun spoke often of his future dreams; returning to school, someday owning the business his Auntie and Dean now own, marrying Jennisa and spending as much time as possible with his family and friends upon his return to the USA.
Upon returning to Iraq after R&R it was back to business. As in the first half Shaun called or emailed nearly every day, always assuring those he loved that he was fine, nothing was happening and there was no need to worry about him. He was extremely humble in believing himself not to be a hero, but rather just a normal guy who was "just doing my job."
On Sunday August 27, 2006 Shaun's loved ones received the worst news imaginable; Shaun had been killed by an IED. It is a day that will forever be etched into the minds of all of those who loved Shaun; it is the day that changed everything.
On Thursday, September 7, 2006 Shaun's family & friends welcomed him home a true hero. Visitation was held on Friday, September 8 and continued on Saturday, September 9 followed by a beautiful funeral procession and burial which was attended by many, including those who never knew Shaun. While Shaun would have been embarrassed by all of the attention and insisted he was not the hero he was being made out to be but instead "just a normal guy doing my job" everyone knows the truth; Shaun was and will forever be...a HERO in the truest sense.
During his time of service Shaun received the following awards: Purple Heart Bronze Star Good Conduct Medal National Defense Service Ribbon Iraqi Campaign Medal Global War on Terror Service Medal Army Service Ribbon Overseas Ribbon Combat Infantry Badge Expert Qualification Badge
Shaun will be sadly missed by his family, his girlfriend, his close friends and everyone whose lives he touched here and while serving his country. While his time here was short, we are thankful for and will cherish forever the many great memories Shaun has left us with. While he may be gone, he will never be forgotten.
A memorial fund has been set up in memory of Shaun in order to erect a permanent memorial in his honor. Those wishing to donate may do so by visiting or sending donations to the following address: Shaun Novak Memorial Fund C/O Shoreline Credit Union PO Box 27 Two Rivers, WI 54241
Its never over / Daniel Odom (Battle buddy )
I was Novak's battle buddy back in D co. 2/54 INF at Ft. Benning. I slept on the top rack and he slept on the bottom. Our first interaction came when we were forced to "chug" our canteens. 4 canteens later Novak was nearly sick and so i offered to fi...
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just thinkin about him / Joshua Kendrick (friend)
i couldn't stop thinking about him today so i thought that i would just say that he is still thought about often remembered loved and missed.
MY HERO!! / Catherine Smith (Didnt Know )
I didnt know Shaun..But Shauns entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers......Shaun Is My True AMERICAN HERO!!!!God Bless ..
Happy Birthday in Heaven / Mom Novak (Mom)
Happy 25th Birthday in Heaven Shaun. We think of you everyday and miss you so much. I think of who'd you be today and how'd you be living your life. My heart is forever broken as I miss you so much. Celebrate in Heaven but we k...
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January 2010 / Kenneth McArthur (American Citizen )Read >>
Memorial dedicated to soldiers, Novak Shaun Novak's uncle: 'It is everyone's memorial. It took a community to build it' by Charlie Mathews • Herald Times Reporter • September 7, 2008
TWO RIVERS — U.S. Army Spc. Shaun Novak's dog tags hang from a bronze rifle at the new Armed Forces Memorial unveiled Saturday afternoon at Holy Cross-Forest View Cemetery.
"Shaun would be embarrassed by all the attention he's received," his father, Randy Novak, told a gathering of about 300.
A Two Rivers native and Two Rivers High School graduate, Novak, 21, was killed by a roadside bomb in Taji, Iraq, on Aug. 27, 2006.
"Shaun enlisted for the love of his country, not to be a hero," Randy Novak said. "Too many men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice … no veteran should ever go unthanked or forgotten."
Indeed, the memorial is designed to do just that — provide a dignified setting for individuals to reflect on the service to country by all veterans, living or deceased, from all military branches.
Before Novak's remarks, the flags of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines were run up poles behind a short granite wall by active or retired members of the five branches.
"It is everyone's memorial. It took a community to build it," said Dean Halverson, one of Shaun's uncles, who served as the master of ceremonies for the dedication program.
"Those in the family feel like a door is closing, but memories of Shaun don't need to be forgotten," Halverson said.
He said about $75,000 was raised to build the memorial, which features a kneeling soldier paying respect to a fallen comrade, symbolized by a pair of empty combat boots, folded American flag, and an M-16 rifle with bayonet thrust into a sandbag. The elements weigh about 700 pounds.
Mixed feelings "It's nice to have the memorial done, and in such a serene setting … it's a bittersweet day," said Jenissa Karbowski, Novak's former longtime girlfriend who admitted to mixed feelings.
She is performing a teaching internship in an eighth-grade geography class at Washington Junior High School in Manitowoc, after completing her bachelor's degree studies at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
She regularly updates a tribute Web site, www.shaun-novak.memory-of.com.
On what would have been Novak's 23rd birthday, Feb. 12, 2008, Karbowski posted, "…please let me wake up and realize this has been a long, drawn out, horrible dream.
"It can't be true. How could someone who meant so much to me just all of a sudden be gone? It doesn't make sense … and it never will.
"As long as I live, I will never be whole again. Only when we meet again in the next place will I finally have the piece of me that has been missing," Karbowski wrote.
Among those paying tribute to Novak and all veterans were several dozen Patriot Guard Riders, a 3-year-old organization with about 140,000 members nationwide.
At the request of grieving families, they form "circles of comfort" at services honoring military personnel.
A medic during the Vietnam War, Mike Weaver was wearing his Patriot Guard Rider's vest with their motto, "Standing for those who stood for US."
Weaver said he has volunteered for many causes, "but nothing compares to this. We come to provide care and compassion," he said.
'More than words can say' Halverson said that he, like many people, had a certain degree of apathy when it came to sacrifices made by those serving in Iraq, until his nephew's death.
"But never again," he said, noting the planning and fundraising for a tribute to all those in uniform began shortly after Novak's death.
Halverson reflected on the words, sung by the Clipper City Chordsmen, to the song, "God Bless the U.S.A." — "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me."
"We are here to celebrate the service and sacrifice of all families and individuals who have served or continue to serve," Halverson said.
He quoted Abraham Lincoln, "I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."
That would be a sentiment shared by the fallen soldier's mother, Brenda Novak.
At the tribute Web site, she created this entry: "As we remember you today at the Spc. Shaun Novak-Armed Forces Memorial, we couldn't be more proud of you … the day is about you and what you sacrificed for us, our country and our freedom.
"We think of you today with pride and we love you more than words can say."
Contributions are welcomed for memorial upkeep and scholarships. Donations can be made to: The Shaun Novak Memorial Fund, c/o Shoreline Credit Union, P.O. Box 27, Two Rivers, WI 54241.
Date set for dedication of memorial The dedication of the Armed Forces Memorial/Shaun Novak Memorial at Two Rivers Holy Cross Cemetery has been set for Saturday, September 6, 2008 beginning at 1:00.
Memorial will pay tribute to Novak, military perso Memorial will pay tribute to Novak, military personnel
By Charlie Mathews Herald Times Reporter
CATO — From family members to 100-plus golfers to a former Army buddy, Saturday afternoon at Seven Lakes Golf Course was a time to honor Shaun Novak — and all other men and women who have served in uniform.
"He was a good guy," was Minnesotan Mitch Hillman's simple description of Novak, a Two Rivers native and Two Rivers High School graduate who was killed in Iraq on Aug. 27, 2006, in a roadside bomb incident.
Hillman was two vehicles behind in the convoy when an improvised explosive device took the life of Spc. Novak, 21, and three other men in the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. They were members of the 4th Infantry Division, 166 Armor Company out of Fort Hood, Texas.
"No soldier should ever be forgotten," said Randy Novak, Shaun's father. "We want to honor all soldiers who made the sacrifice Shaun did."
Saturday's Second Annual Memorial Golf Outing & Benefit raised additional thousands of dollars for the permanent memorial to be completed in Two Rivers Holy Cross Cemetery by September, and for the scholarship fund honoring Shaun and other soldiers in Manitowoc County.
The bronze memorial by Milwaukee artist Tom Queoff was on display Saturday in the course's clubhouse-bar.
"This type of work is very important and emotional," said Queoff, noting it took about six months to create the kneeling soldier, paying respects to a fallen comrade, symbolized by a pair of empty combat boots and M-16 rifle with bayonet thrust into a sandbag.
The elements weigh some 700 pounds, and the sculpture will be part of a setting at the cemetery that also will include stone benches, a memorial wall, and flags of the five military branches — Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.
While the uniform, including flak jacket, was sculpted to reflect current military wear, the face on the soldier intentionally is not a likeness of Randy and Brenda Novak's son.
The Two Rivers couple said they want to keep Shaun's name and memory alive, "but the sculpture honors the memory of all those who have served and defended America's freedom," Brenda said.
She said she has received emotional support from other members of the "Soldier Moms" Yahoo group. Two women, one from New Mexico and the other from Texas, visited the Novaks last Christmas.
"They've sent e-mails on Shaun's birthday, Feb. 12," she said. "They know that at any moment, it could be them losing their child."
Queoff's memorial sculpture includes dog tags of Novak, Staff Sgt. Charles Kiser of Cleveland, who was killed in 2004 in Iraq, and Cpl. Jonathan Markham, another Fort Hood soldier who was killed last year. He lived for two years in Manitowoc County, with his grandfather still residing in the Lakeshore area.
Might have been back in Iraq
When the memorial is completed at Holy Cross, it will give Randy Novak another reason to drive through the cemetery on an almost daily basis, as he already does.
"I know that Shaun would be humbled by all the support (the memorial project is receiving)," the father said. "When he came home on his mid-deployment leave, he wasn't looking for any attention. He would be pleased his brothers and sisters in the military are also being honored."
Novak said Shaun's three-year active duty hitch was due to end in December 2007.
He was a 2003 Two Rivers High School graduate, who attended the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc for a year before enlisting.
But Randy Novak said Saturday his son's unit was issued a stop-loss directive, with members facing another deployment to Iraq.
That would have meant another separation from Jennisa Karbowski, 22, his long-time girlfriend.
"He will always be a part of my life," said Karbowski Saturday, who has a tattoo, "SAN 8-27-2006," on her foot.
She has completed her bachelor's degree studies at UW-Green Bay, majoring in psychology with a minor in education, and will perform a teaching internship at Washington Junior High School and Lincoln High School in Manitowoc this fall.
Karbowski said she is moving on, as Shaun would have wanted her to, and hopes to one day have her own family and children.
"But, I will always be connected to Shaun's family," said Karbowski, who regularly updates a tribute Web site, www.shaun-novak.memory-of.com.
She recently added the following post:
How could someone who meant so much to me just all of a sudden be gone? It doesn't make sense ... and it never will. I love you and miss you every day.
As long as I live, I will never be whole again. Only when we meet again in the next place will I finally have the piece of me that has been missing.
Happy Birthday, sweetheart. May you spend it in the arms of angels, and may you know how much you are loved and missed. I love you.
Those interested in supporting the memorial can call (920) 683-5940, or direct donations to: The Shaun Novak Memorial Fund, c/o Shoreline Credit Union, Box 27, Two Rivers, WI 54241.
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