Jeffrey John Novak's Obituary
Jeffrey John Novak, age 49, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Muskegon, MI. He was born August 31, 1976, to William and Judith (Bird) Novak in Muskegon, MI. Jeff graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School in 1995.
Jeff was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. To know Jeff was to love Jeff. He was someone who always had a smile on his face and strived to make everyone laugh. He shared his enthusiasm everywhere he went. What mattered most to Jeff was his family. Jeff loved vacations, family dinners, game nights, and singing and dancing together. Jeff especially loved his adventures to the U.P. with his wife Mel, and their 4Runner, “Vinny.” Jeff cherished his wife and daughters, loving them unconditionally.
Jeff honorably served on the Muskegon Township Fire Department for nearly 15 years as a paid-on-call firefighter, where he gained the nickname “Freak” from his fellow brotherhood of firefighters. For the last several years, Jeff worked as a fire alarm and sprinkler technician as the key accounts representative for Vanguard and Pye Barker Fire and Safety.
He had a love for music and back in the day, he was the drummer of the band Tangent. His passion for music went far beyond performing; he knew the name of nearly every song and artist and enjoyed challenging friends and family to his favorite game, “name the artist”; he was hard to beat. Jeff was a sports enthusiast; he enjoyed playing and watching ice hockey, baseball, and football, and took pride in coaching his daughter’s softball team. Jeff loved spending time in the kitchen. He perfected his Tomahawk Steak, along with his famous Béarnaise sauce, and one of the things he was so proud of was making his homemade EXTREME sour candy.
Jeff was the most kind-hearted, thoughtful person, and will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and unwavering love for family and friends. Jeff wanted nothing more than for everyone to be happy. He never met a stranger and greeted everyone he met with a handshake or a hug. Jeff will be missed by many as he was loved by all who crossed his path.
He will be remembered by his loving wife, Melissa; four beautiful daughters, Brielle and Addisyn Novak and Michaela and Mia Sturtevant; father, William Novak; brother, Ben (Rachael) Novak; nephews, Kyron and Kasyn Novak; mothers-in-law Debby Weldon, (step) Susan VanderVen; aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues, and so many friends; his beloved dachshund, Fern and step dogs, Ella and Daisy. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Judith (Judy)Novak; maternal grandparents, Leonard and Yvonne Bird; paternal grandparents, Stanley and Helen Novak; and father-in-law Randy VanderVen.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Muskegon Township Fire Department.
A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements made by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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