Susan Marie Novak

Funeral Mass will be 10 am Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. Michael Garry celebrating. Visitation will be one hour prior to mass at the church.  Interment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery.  Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. Susan Marie Novak, 62, died peacefully in her home on Friday, October 5, 2018 with her family by her side after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on May 24, 1956 in Virginia, Minnesota to MaryAnn and William I. Novak. She grew up with her parents and four sisters in Gilbert, Minnesota and lived there her entire life. Susie was a sweet, kind, and special girl who was well loved by her family and friends. She melted the hearts of anyone she met and who took the time to get to know her and was called an “angel on earth” by many of them.  Susie was a prime example of how we should love each other and treat each other with compassion, respect, and never-ending kindness.  She had an endless love for her family and had a special knack for being a “baby whisperer”, walking endlessly with and effectively calming the babies in the family throughout the years.  She had an amazing memory, reminding her family of each upcoming birthday, anniversary, upcoming or past special dates or events.  She was an avid sports buff and could always be found at her nieces and nephews sporting events, cheering them on proudly.  Being a huge fan of the Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Twins, and the Timberwolves, she was able to recently attend a Minnesota Twins baseball game with her entire family.  Even through her sickness, she was able to stand up from her wheelchair and loudly sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch with a beaming smile on her face.   Susie was very proud of participating in the Special Olympics during her younger years and going to State for running events, winning the gold medal.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, spending time fishing and making smores on Lake Vermilion and proudly catching more fish than her Mom; scrapbooking, listening to her polka music and dancing the “chicken dance”.  She especially enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins on television with her family and sending them “back on the bus” to training camp when she felt they weren’t trying their best.  She loved spending time with her friends at Bubbly Bees Club, and adored her Case Manager’s, Rose and Jonelle, who held a special place in her heart, as well as the wonderful DRCC staff.  Susan was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gibert. She was preceded in death by her father, William I Novak, who was waiting for her at heaven’s gate and welcoming her into his loving embrace. She is survived by her loving mother, MaryAnn Novak; four sisters Patty (Joe) Skofich, Kathy (Wade) Olson, Mary (Steve) Kramar, and Carrie (Kyle) Rahikainen, who were all privileged to be able to take care of her at home until her last breath was taken.  Her nieces and nephews including Kristin (Drew) Hayes, Jake (Shelly) Kramar, Jennifer (Paul) Jacobson, Jessica Kramar, Matt Kramar, Breanna Olson, William Olson, Katelin Rahikainen, Brad Rahikainen, Alex Rahikainen, as well as great nieces and nephews Hailey, Madison, Hannah and Nicholas, were a huge part of Susie’s life and her pride and joy. Her family would like to thank Fairview Hospice for the exceptional and loving care they provided through this journey. They would also like to thank the numerous and amazing doctors, nurses and medical staff from the area hospitals for their compassion and wonderful care. Finally, an extra special “thank you” to her very special neighbors and friends who visited her on a regular basis and provided much appreciated love and support to her and her family.