Mary Ann Novak

Funeral Mass for Mary Ann (Mimi) Novak, 88, of Gilbert, will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. David Forsman as celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at church. Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.

Mary Ann died Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota.

She was born September 15, 1935 in Gilbert, Minnesota to Michael and Lucy (Klobuchar) Plesha. Mary Ann was a 1953 graduate of Gilbert High School where she played the French horn in the band and was a cheerleader. On July 15,1955 she married William I. Novak and they resided in Gilbert for over 50 years.

Mary Ann worked at the Cluett Peabody Shirt Factory in Gilbert and retired from Herberger’s in Virginia where she worked in the Receiving Department.

Mary Ann was a devout member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, she participated in the Council of Catholic Women, worked with the ladies of the church to serve lunches for funerals, and was an active member of the Sunday Mass Choir and the Funeral Choir. She was a Girl Scout Troop leader and a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. She was an avid gardener, tending her vegetable garden for many years, but her true love was her flowers. She shared her beautiful flowers with her neighbors that came to visit her on the deck nightly. Mary Ann was a die-hard Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Wild fan. This enthusiasm for sports continued as she followed her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting activities as their greatest fan. Sundays always included attending mass and then preparing a delicious meal for family and usually extended family. 

Survivors include her daughters: Patty (Joe) Skofich, Kathy (Wade) Olson, Mary (Steve) Kramar and Carrie (Kyle) Rahikainen; grandchildren: Kristin (Drew) Hayes, Jake (Shelly) Kramar, Jennifer (Paul) Jacobson, Jessica (The Late, Dallas) Edeburn, Matt Kramar, Breanna Olson, William Olson, Katelin (Cody) Riendeau, Brad (Cori) Rahikainen and Alex (Samantha) Rahikainen; great grandchildren: Hailey, Madison, Hannah, Nicholas, Jackson, Gracie, Bennett, Kaylee, Laken, Ryder, and Kaden.

She is preceded in death by her husband – William I., daughter - Susan Marie, parents - Mike and Lucy, brother - Nick, sister - Frances, grandchild - Nicky, great grandson - Gaven, and other beloved family members.