James “Jim” Novacek, 62, of Foreston, formerly of South Haven died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at his home surrounded by the love and care of his family.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2020, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Burial followed at Pleasant View Cemetery, Annandale. Visitation was held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. A prayer service was held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
James Sylvester Novacek was born May 25, 1957, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota to Sylvester and Margaret (Badner) Novacek. Jim grew up in Crystal, until moving with his family to a hobby farm outside of Buffalo, where he attended school and graduated with the Class of 1975. On Oct. 22, 1982, Jim was united in marriage to Debra Kohnen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waverly, Minnesota. They made their home on a hobby farm near Montrose for 19 years before moving on another hobby farm in rural South Haven, where they raised their children. In addition to farming, Jim also worked as a truck driver. In 2012, Jim and Deb moved to Nashwauk, and for the past four years have resided near Foreston. In his younger years, Jim was active in 4-H and FFA. With a deep love of farming and John Deere equipment, Jim enjoyed all aspects of farming. He liked to do fieldwork and participate and spectate at tractor pulls. He was a member of Wild Card Pulling, Sneaky Pete’s Pulling, and Gopher State Pullers. Jim also took an interest in bowling, trap shooting, showing sheep, camping, fishing, and mowing lawn. Jim cherished the time he was able to spend with his family and friends, especially moments spent with his eight adoring grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Debra of Foreston; children, Mike (Kori) Maas of Watkins, Tammy (Eric) Clausen of South Haven, Jesse Novacek of Nashwauk, and Patrick (Tina) Novacek of South Haven; eight grandchildren, Taylor (Gina), Tucker, Allyssa, Rylee, Daisy, Melanie, Lydia, and Gabe; siblings, Kevin (Carol) Novacek of Buffalo, and Karin Musolf of St. Michael; mother-in-law, Alicia Kohnen of Cold Spring; and nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Margaret Novacek; niece, Brenda Kohnen; father-in-law, Gerald Kohnen; brothers-in-law, James Kohnen, David Musolf, and Joe Fleischhacker; and sister-in-law, Karen Fleischhacker.
Eric, Adam, and Steven Novacek, Andy Musolf, and Brandon and Mitch Schindele served as pallbearers with Jordan Kohnen, Molly Nordquist, and Brooke Rademacher as honorary pallbearers. St. Ignatius Music Ministry provided music for the service.
Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.