Geraldine A. Novak

Minot

Geraldine “Jeri” A. Novak, 69, rural Minot, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in her home with her loving family by her side.

Geraldine Alice Adam was born on December 5, 1955, a daughter of Michael and Dorothy (Volk) Adam in Harvey, ND. She was raised and educated in Minot, where she graduated in 1974 from Minot High School.

On April 15, 1977, Jeri was united in marriage to Robin “Robby” Novak in Minot. They made their home on the Novak farm south of Minot, where they proudly raised their two children Lee and Kelly. Together they farmed, ran beef cows, and operated the Novak Dairy. The dairy barn was a hub for neighbors and friends to visit and buy fresh milk and cream, many area schools would also come tour the dairy operation, a time Jeri enjoyed very much.

Jeri also worked as a preschool teacher and daycare provider for many years, she loved working with children. She held positions in; patient accounts Trinity Health, activities finance manager at Minot High School, Minot Public Schools foundation, and retired as secretary from First Lutheran Church. Jeri had fond memories from working with great people at each position she held, some becoming very special friends.

Jeri enjoyed farm life and had many hobbies including crafts, sewing projects, quilting, camping, traveling, celebrating holidays, gardening, and entertaining. She enjoyed preparing and being a part of craft shows for many years. She hosted the Country Barn Craft Show where thousands of people would come every fall to enjoy the farm and vendors. Jeri and Robby hosted many beautiful wedding receptions in the barn. Together they also enjoyed cruises, traveling, camping excursions, community events, and family and friend get togethers.

Jeri’s pride and joy was her family. She always said how much she loved being a mom, but it was obvious becoming a grandparent trumped that. Her and Robby loved having the grandkids for sleepovers, camping trips, traveling, theme meals, and so much more. If a grandkid dreamed it up grandma would try to make it happen. She made birthdays, holidays, and activities so special and “fair” for each grandkid. The memories they created for the grandkids are nothing short of amazing and she will be missed so very much.

Jeri was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, where she was active with the Altar Society. She also served on Farmers Union Boards, Town and Country Credit Union Board, MHS class of 74 reunion committee, and supported the local 4-H and FFA. Jeri was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend and will be deeply missed.

Jeri’s time of illness was very difficult and our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the support during that time. A special thank you to Brooke and Rosemary at First Light, the hospice team along with the care team and staff at Mayo.

Jeri is survived by:

Husband of 48 years, Robby; children: Lee (Mary) Novak, Minot: Kelly (Todd) Finke, Berthold; grandchildren, Carter, Abby, Anna, and Casen Finke, Ella, Emmy, Eva, Henry, and Edith Novak; brother, Bob Adam, Minot; sisters, Linda (Bill) Osborne, San Antonio, TX, Diane (Jerry) Fredricksen, Barb (Randy) Landphere, Dottie (Alden) Pederson, Jackie (Murray) Kaeding all of Minot; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rick (Shelle) Novak, Hendrum, MN, Randy (Kim) Novak Placentia, CA, Roxanne (Dan) Vander Vorste Minot, and Rhonda Bovair (Joe Greenwood) Cottage Grove, OR; Ronnie (Tania) Novak, Minot; uncle, David (Diane) Volk, Garrison, ND; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Jim and Pat Novak; sister, Phyllis Hull; infant niece, Ponnie.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 10 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minot.

Visitation: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:00 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made To Our Lady of Grace food pantry or consider donating blood products to local blood bank.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 5, 2025.