Gertrude I. Novak
March 16, 1925 - September 28, 2021
Gertrude Irmgard Novak, age 96 of Monroe, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.
Born March 16, 1925 in Halle Saale, Germany. She was the daughter of the late Otto and Marie (Spazier) Grimmer. She was very courageous for her time, leaving everything she knew behind to escape what was then East Germany alone at age 17 to seek freedoms not available during the political turmoil of World War II. She married Andrew E. Novak on April 1, 1951 in Ettlingen, Germany. Together they had a family of nine children and spent over 35 wonderful years together, sadly he passed away in 1986. Gertrude also raised a granddaughter Jennifer Novak Tagatac who she considered as one of her own.
Gertrude and family came over to the United States in 1960 after living in Germany and France for years during her husband’s military career. Later she went to Monroe High School to receive her diploma since during her time as an adolescent, school only continued through the 8th grade. She was a bus driver for Trinity Lutheran School and Monroe Public Schools retiring in 2003.
Gertrude was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Monroe. She was a life time member of the Disabled American Veterans auxiliary, past member of the American Legion Women’s auxiliary and the Lady of the Moose Organization, serving as past President. She was very active and had such an adventurous spirit. In her free time she loved to travel, she had a passion for snow skiing and skied well into her mid 80’s. She also enjoyed white water rafting, rollerblading, had bowled in local leagues and spent many years swimming at the YMCA. Most importantly, her family meant the world to her. She will be deeply missed and cherished in the hearts of her loved ones.
Beloved mother of Ivol (Linda) Novak, James (Barbara) Novak, Andrea (Henry) Werner, Darrell (Donna) Novak, Robert (Denise) Novak, Carol Novak Hunt, Roger Novak, and Kim Novak. Loving grandmother of ten grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Gertrude is preceded in death by her husband: Andrew Novak; son and daughter in law: Marvin (Tammy) Novak, and sister: Gerda Stiller.
Everyone is invited to a visitation on Sunday, October 3rd at Rupp Funeral Home from 3 pm to 8 pm. A service will be held on Monday, October 4th at 11 am. Officiating is Pastor Daniel Potts of Trinity Lutheran Church. There will be a private entombment service for family immediately after.
Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran School Athletics Program or Trinity Lutheran School.
Online condolences or words of comfort may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com