Lost Springs veterinarian celebrates 50 years in business years ago
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
A steady stream of friends, relatives, and clients visited the home of Robert and Hallie Novak Sunday during an open house sponsored by family members to celebrate his 50 years as a veterinarian.
According to Hallie, a veterinarian and his clients have a special relationship and learn to know each other well while working together with their animals.
The open house gave the 78-year-old man a chance to visit once again with many former customers, as well as current ones.
Dr. Novak began his practice in 1955 after graduating from the School of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University.
His first office was located in a moved-in house one-quarter mile east of the Novak family farm at present-day Timber and 320th.
Times were tough on the farm following years of drought, but business gradually picked up as conditions improved and cattle numbers increased.
Novak married Hallie Schlesener of Herington in November 1959. She became his "right arm," keeping the home and office going during his many hours away on calls. She also assisted him with surgeries.
In 1970, the couple bought 120 acres and built a new house and vet facilities at the couple's present location one and one-fourth miles west of Lost Springs on 340th.
Dr. Novak decided to drop his big animal practice in 2003. He plans to continue a small animal practice as long as his health allows.
"I don't know what else I'd do," he said. "The fish won't bite for me and I can't saw a board straight!"
The Novaks have three married daughters: Cindy and Jeff Clark, Wichita; Robyn and Troy Pervin, Chanute; and Jo and Mike Smith, Great Bend. They have two grandsons and five granddaughters.
A full profile of the doctor was published in the April 30, 2003, issue of Marion County Record.
