Dennis Fletcher Novak's Obituary
Dennis F. NovakDennis F. Novak, the founder of Trans-National Leasing and a lifelong resident of Pierce County, died January 11, 2003 at age 56 after a brief battle with cancer. The son of Bill and Betty Novak, he was born October 4, 1946.After attending Central Washington University, he returned to Tacoma where he started both a family and a long career in local business. The city was his home, where he was happy to be surrounded by his many friends, playing softball, enjoying the sunshine and the water on which he loved boating. His last days were spent in his home on Day Island, looking out over his beloved Sound with his family at his side.Over a thirty-year career he built Trans-National Leasing from an idea into one of the leading commercial truck leasing firms in the northwest. He recently retired, choosing to focus on funding childrenÂ's programs, founding a trust for middle school art and athletic after school programs with a personal grant.He is survived by his mother, Betty Albrecht, and her husband Ernest of Tacoma; his wife Janna Gerritzen-Novak of University Place; his brother David Novak (Marian) of Livermore, ME; his daughters Wendi Cook (Stephen) of Mount Vernon, Nicki Novak (Derek Frankeberger) of Tacoma, and Karen Murphy (John) of Danville, CA; stepson Jared Gerritzen of Seattle; four grandchildren & his ex-wife and friend Patricia LeFrois.Please join us in a celebration of his life, scheduled at 10 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2003 at the Valley Chapel, Mt. View Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Novak Trust Fund in memory of Dennis would be welcomed and appreciated. Please contact Terry Pollan, with the University Place School District (253-566-5600).
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