Marilyn Novak, 85

June 22, 1937 —

Sept. 17, 2022

 

RIDGEWAY - Marilyn J. Novak, age 85, of Ridgeway, Iowa, died on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, Minn. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at Notre Dame Parish in Cresco, Iowa, with Father Jacob Rouse officiating. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Cresco. 

Marilyn Joan Novak was born on June 22, 1937 to Frank and Monica (Posakony) Strathman in Fort Dodge, Iowa. In 1940, they moved as a family to Cresco, where Marilyn graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1955 as valedictorian of her class. She met Allan Novak at St. Joseph’s Parish in Cresco, where she played the organ, and he sang in the choir. They later married at St. Joseph’s on Nov. 25, 1958. Together they moved north of Ridgeway, where they farmed for over 40 years. 

Marilyn had a passion for music; she devoted much of her life to the church, where she played organ and piano for hundreds of weddings, funerals and every holiday. She was a member of the St. Joseph/ Notre Dame Parish, St. Joseph/ Notre Dame Choir (where she was an organist and pianist for over 60 years), the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #135, as well as the hospital auxiliary. Marilyn also formed the Funeral Choir at St. Joseph’s Parish, which is now Notre Dame.

She loved her family deeply. She made every child, grandchild and great-grandchild feel like they were her absolute favorite. Marilyn loved going to the casino and going on bus trips. She was a champion at playing “Words with Friends,” defeating almost everyone who challenged her! Her favorite place was being home on the farm. 

Marilyn is survived by her children, Steve (Ruth) Novak of Cresco, Ann Novak of Ankeny, Iowa, Brian Novak of Rochester, Kirk (Deb) Novak of Ridgeway and Lisa (Dan) Saddler of Dubuque, Iowa; grandchildren, Jeremy Brandt, Sarah (Jake Miller) Brandt, Savana (Mitch) Kriener, Truman (Angie Hall) Novak, Megan (Casey) Bauer, Evan Saddler, Elli (Austin) Kloewer and Emma Saddler; great-grandchildren, Lucas Brandt, Graclyn Brandt, Jacob Miller, Demi Novak, Scarlet Novak, Baby Novak on the way, Elleana Kriener, Juliet Kriener, Maci Bauer and Tarron Bauer; siblings Carol Strathman, Frank (Barb) Strathman and Jan (Ron) Sebastian; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Allan; her parents; father and mother-in-law John and Della Novak; brother and sister-in-law Dale and Joyce Schissel.

Memorials may be left to the Notre Dame New Life Choir Music Department.

Online condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes .com.