Obituary of Hilda Novak

Hilda Novak passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023. She was born on March 16, 1932, in the Grayson district and attended Columbia, Sprucedale, and Dubuc Schools.

Following her schooling, she worked as a hired hand for various families. On October 18, 1949, Hilda married Frank Novak at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grayson. They farmed north of Grayson for about 30 years before moving into town in 1980.

Hilda actively contributed to every aspect of the farming operation, continuing her support even after their retirement. Later on, the couple worked as janitors at Grayson School and then at the Grayson Twilight Manor. In 1992, they moved to Melville, and Frank passed away in 1997.

Hilda was a gentle, kind, thoughtful, loving, and caring person. She was a tirelessly busy lady who found joy in cleaning, cooking, baking, gardening, and tending to her flowers. She also had a passion for sewing, knitting, crocheting, and crafting various items for her family. From the year 2000 at Heritage House until 2018 - 2023 at Queen St. Manor, she enjoyed playing cards, bingo, solving puzzles, and spending time with friends and family. In her later years, Hilda began to embrace technology, learning to use the iPad to stay connected with her family. In August 2023, Hilda happily moved into the wonderful care of St. Paul’s Lutheran Home. 

Hilda is predeceased by her parents, Kasper and Julia Zimmer, her parents-in-law, Frank Sr. and Katherine Novak, her sister Caroline (Tony) Ottenbreit, her brother Reinhold Zimmer, her sisters-in-law, Mary Gelowitz, Hilda Streifel, and Margaret Novak, and her brothers-in-law Ed Gelowitz, Sam Streifel, Jack Novak, Frank Exner, and Arnold Flegel.

To cherish her memory, she leaves behind four children: Marlene Hickie (Nelson), Denis Novak (Mary Ann), Jerry Novak (Laurie), Pat Broda (Artie). 

She is blessed with 12 grandchildren: Trent Hickie (Lindsay), Kyle Hickie (Chelsy), Nerissa Romero (Tom); Kelly Novak (Michelle), Curt Novak (Janine), Jesse Novak (Jenny), Cole Novak (Katie); Brett Novak (Mel), Bryn Novak (Abby); Evan Broda, Levi Broda, Tannis Ottenbreit (Riley).

Hilda is also fondly remembered by 19 great-grandchildren, with the 20th on the way. Among them are Kaydence, Jordis, Presly, Wyatt, and Alana Hickie; Isabel, Ryder, and Dani Romero; Tatum, Bodie, Raine, Harmony, Sage, Vivian, Kane, and Kai Novak; as well as Kenzie, Bree, and Autumn Ottenbreit.

She is survived by her brother, Allan Zimmer, and sisters-in-law Sylvia Zimmer, Elizabeth Exner, and Doris Flegel.

Love for her family was Hilda's greatest passion. Since Hilda was allergic to flowers, she crocheted 12 roses for the casket’s floral arrangement to represent her 12 grandchildren who had a very special place in her heart.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital and St. Paul’s Lutheran Home, as well as to Dr. Houshmandi, Father Michal Pajak, Dave Hudy, and Brian Mee, for their loving care and compassion.