William “ Billy Bones” James Novack passed away on September 4, 2025, after a brief illness.
Bill was born on November 12, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois to William F. Novack and Genevieve Pieratt. He was the 3rd born of seven children. The family moved from Chicago to Butte in 1954. Bill attended Longfellow Elementary School, East Junior High, and graduated from Butte High in 1969.
Bill worked hard all of his life. His first job was working at the family business, Joe’s Pasty Shop with his siblings. He was especially proud that his daughters worked there as teenagers, following in his footsteps. Bill started working as a union printer at Artcraft Printers when he was 18 years old, and continued to work there until his retirement. His skills were second to none, as he was trained in the older style of print machines.
Bill loved all types of sports. He was a member of the Butte Golden Gloves Boxing Club throughout high school and continued into young adulthood. His favorite teams to watch were the Chicago Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Seattle Mariners. He also enjoyed watching women’s tennis and English Premier League Soccer. He was especially happy attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.
Bill was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed his many trips to various lakes. He mostly enjoyed Harrison, East Fork and Clark Canyon lakes. There was always a story to be told after a day of fishing and the “one” that got away.
Bill married Patty Loendorf in 1988, and of their marriage came his most precious gifts in life, his children, Kelsie, Jake, and Amy. Bill and Patty divorced, but remained great friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Willam and Genevieve Novack; siblings, Karen Thymian and Mike Novack; brother in law, Jack Humphrey; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Bill is survived by his son, Jake Novack (Danelle Furst); daughters, Kelsie Anderson (Caelen), and Amy Beckett (Jace); grandchildren, Parker and Theadora Novack, Teague and Rory Anderson, and Callin and Elise Beckett; brothers, Joe (Nancy), Dan (JoLene), and Patrick (Molly); as well as sister, Barbara West (Brad); nieces, Briana West, Mallory Novack (Marty Petritz), Micaela Costello (John), Genevieve and Ellie Novack; nephews, Brooks West, JoMike Novack, and Patrick Novack; great nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins and lifelong friends.
We will miss our beloved Bill, but we are happy he is reunited with his loved ones.
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at Butte Brewing Company, 465 E Galena St., Butte, on October 18th from 1-4pm.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care Bill and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Bill.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1 p.m to 4 p.m.
Saturday October 18, 2025
Butte Brewing Company
465 E Galena St.
Butte, MT 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1 p.m to 4 p.m.
Saturday October 18, 2025
Butte Brewing Company
465 E Galena St.
Butte, MT 59701
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Kayla Keene says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you today. Sending love and light to the Novack family.
Charlene LeProwse Warren says
I am so very sad to hear Billy’s passing. I remember him from the Scoop bar in the 70s and 80s. Billy always had a smile on his face and was so very pleasant and kind.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Robin Cockhill says
I was so sorry to read of Billy’s passing. He was always fun to be around. When my daughters were young, he would drive Santa to our house on Christmas Eve! So many good memories. My sympathy to his family.
Dave Hinch says
Thoughts and prayers to Bill’s family. We had a lot of good times. Will never forget you
Case says
What a good dude! Ton of laughs, the best. Rest in Peace my dear friend. Condolences to the Novack family.
Laurie Lockett Perez says
I will miss seeing Bill sitting in his chair outside getting some sun and our conversations. He was such a sweet man. Befriending me and my grandson from day one when we moved next door. We will miss him. We are so sorry for your loss.
Tim McGinley says
I will never forget the great times–softball games –the road trips –the Scoop Breakfast Club–he truly was one of a kind -RIP Billy –CBAD Radio is off the air!
randy Rodoni says
R.I.P. buddy I’ll miss your visits at the Barber Shop.
Kathy McGowan says
A handsome man with great kids. Too young but RIP.
Jim and Kim Salmonsen says
We are so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a nice man and we always enjoyed visiting with him. Our condolences to all the Novack family.
Pat Cronnelly says
Such a great guy, worked with him for over 30 years.he was a master printer RIP