Agnes Novak
March 25, 1937 ~ June 28, 2020
Agnes Novak, age 83, of Elma, IA passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, IA with Father Jerry Kopacek. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Elma.
Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma, with a 7:00 PM Scriptural Wake Service. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral mass on Thursday. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may directed to the family.
Agnes Marie was born March 25, 1937 to Frank and Beatrice (Polansky) Lipa on the family farm near Lourdes. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. After completing her education, she began working as a nanny for a local family. On June 7, 1954, Agnes was united in marriage to Edward Novak at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The couple made their home in Elma where they raised their 3 children, Debbie, Ricky and Michael. Agnes was not only Edward’s business partner, but his lifelong dance partner. The two of them enjoyed 60 years of “Saturday Night Dates,” dedicating the evening to each other while dancing the night away.
Agnes had a deep faith and was a member of Immaculate Conception and the Rosary Society. She loved being outdoors caring for her lawn, and gardens. She loved to read and crochet.
Those left to cherish Agnes’s memory are her children, Debbie Mlady of Cresco, IA, Ricky Novak of Salt Lake City, UT and Michael (Roxanne) Novak of Cedar Falls, IA; her 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; her sisters; Anna (Ray) Marvetz of Riceville, IA; Cecelia Praska of Cresco and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward in 2014; her granddaughter, Anna; her brother, Clarence; sister Mary (Vince) Hosek and brother-in-law, Raymond Praska.
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I want to express my prayers and sympathy to all of Agnes;s family at this time of sorrow. Agnes was a very special friend and was always there when one needed an extra hand, which I needed often. She was like an adopted GrandMother to all of my kids and the family always asked for her kolaches when they came home to visit. Heaven has gained another special angel.
Sympathy to Agnes Novak’s family and friends. So sorry for your loss.
Michael, I phoned Agnes in April just keeping in touch. We had the nicest visit. She was one of the sweetest people on earth. She and Ed are now forever dancing in heaven. My deepest sympathy to all of the family.
Our sympathy goes out to all of the Novak family. My childhood memories are not complete without time spent at Agnes and Ed’s. I remember having ice cream for dessert every night as Agnes giggled at our joy. I loved sitting with Agnes and Ed and smelling the scent of kolaches or bread or wonderful baked goods Agnes had in the oven. The Novak family holds a special place in my heart. Hugs to all of you for sharing your family with our family.
So deeply sorry for the loss of your mother. Agnes was like a grandmother to my siblings and me and can truly say she had a profound positive impact on my life. I cherish memories of her and all the Novaks. I will try to keep smiling in thinking of her to fight off the sadness. Agnes was a wonderfully spirited woman and imagine she would prefer smiles over tears, as much as we will miss her.
Sorry to hear about your Mom Rick, I know we have not spoken since our college days but have thought of you often. A loss of a parent is always a great loss but remember the good times. Take care and God Bless. Klel Harris
Agnes was such a sweet fun lady. I will always remember her with a smile.
Debbie, your Ortho family is thinking of you at this sad time. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Loved all the time spent with the Novak family.
To honor our love for Agnes Novak. Ann and Pat Loftus
With Heartfelt Sympathy to the family of Agnes Novak. Please know of our thoughts and prayers.