Gerald Louis “Jerry” Novak, known to many as “G Dawg”, age 70, passed away early Tuesday morning, October 27, 2026 after a day of being surrounded by his love, at Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers, due to complications of cancer.

Jerry never complained, was never angry and never gave up hope throughout his long battle. He was an inspiration to many and his positivity will be remembered.

Gerald was born on June 14, 1956 in Manitowoc, the son of the late David and Mary (Schmidt) Novak. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1974, where he lettered in Gymnastics. He then went on to make a career at Manitowoc Shipbuilding, advancing in time to Manitowoc Crane. After retirement, until his decline in health, he drove for CR Mobility along with Bumper to Bumper Auto simply because he really liked the group he worked for.

Jerry was a staunch Democrat who loved engaging in a political debate, who was unapologetically himself, a stubborn bohemian – never afraid to be exactly who he was. He loved to socialize, could strike a conversation with anyone and found fault with few. He never hesitated to help whether asked or not, was simple, practical and enjoyed life, living it his own way usually with a Brewer, Badger, Bucks, or Detroit Lions game on TV. Jerry loved the game of golf, played years of softball, and enjoyed walking the city daily to check out where the next building project was, read the news daily, and absolutely loved Harp Irish Lager. He could organize the annual garage sale like no other, loved dancing at weddings, polo shirts, keeping his lawn manicured, was always the preferred host, and was also always looking forward to the next garage Sheepshead game. He enjoyed nothing more than getting together with Connie and Bob to take their Waupaca summer weekend trips, or going with a few good friends to try the newest super club. He was proud he could still do a cartwheel and if you doubted him, he would prove it – right in the super club. One of his life goals was to collect a license plate from all 50 states, which he recently achieved with the help of many friends.

When it came to friends, he had many (you know who you are). He shared a particularly close bond with the entire Thomas Graff family, Tom and Jerry “the cat and the rat” have had true friendship made with countless memories over 40 years.

Gerald is survived by his love and his forever partner Barbara, son: Derek and his wife Kristen, and their daughters: Ella and Olivia; his special Las Vegas, Nevada family: Oscar, Briana, and their children Leana, Alexander, and Julian; his special family circle, Robert and Connie Kolbeck, Thomas and Gail Graff, Aaron and Sara Leist, and their children: Lucy, Gwendolyn, and Parker, relatives: Ryan, Nick, Jessica, and Cameron Novak; Ray and Dennis Rosinsky, Sandy Boehm, and Michelle Meyer. Never forgetting countless family and friends who supported us in numerous ways through his journey, we are grateful.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Mary Novak, his brother Kenneth Novak, baby brother Novak, and Barbara’s parents: Skip and Katherine Streich.

Jerry may be gone, but G Dawg will always be remembered every time friends and family gather, always to be remembered by his line ….”Like I said”.

Cremation has occurred at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory, Manitowoc, and a celebration of Gerald’s life will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026 at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water Street, Manitowoc.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s name to Gumby’s Club Fore a Cure, 2002 Marshall Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220 or online at https://checkout.square.site/merchant/WZR9SBH4Q6TR8/checkout/XHP4Q674E3WMTNIRGCX2KO5P.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, Manitowoc, is assisting the Novak family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

At Peace, Rest Easy Love