Shirley Novak

Shirley Novak passed in peace on September 7, 2016. She was 89. Born August 27th, 1927, to Frank and Esther Kvapil, Shirley Ann Novak was a lifelong resident of Racine County, Wisconsin, residing since May at Sunrise Assisted Living in Roseville, Minnesota.

Shirley and her husband James A. Novak were married on June 25, 1949, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Caledonia and became members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Racine in 1953. Preceded in death by her husband James on March 15, 2016, and son William James Novak in 2008. Survived by sons Alan (Connie) of Credit River Township, MN, Brian (Julaine) of New Brighton, MN and Kevin (Cheryl) of Caledonia, daughter-in-law Kathryn Novak of Racine, and 14 beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Shirley graduated from Horlick High School and went on to become a Registered Nurse in the Army Nursing Corps. Following her nursing career, she worked for many years alongside her husband Jim at Novak Appliance.

Always a caregiver, Shirley was the heart and loving hands in constant support of her family. She also gave back to her church and her community assisting others in many roles. She approached life with an infectious smile and unlimited positive attitude, and took great joy in simple pleasures and in nature’s smallest gifts often sharing her delight and wonder with those around her. Shirley enjoyed gardening, baking in her kitchen, cherished visits with friends and loved ones, and feeding the many birds (and often squirrels and deer) who visited their backyard on a daily basis. We will miss her smile and laughter, her gracious innocence, and her endless love of the world.

A visitation at 10:00am with prayer service at 11:00 is planned for Saturday, September 17th at Maresh-Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St, Racine, WI 53403. Private burial to follow. Memorials to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Racine (ADRC), Attention to the Director, 14200 Washington Ave, Sturtevant, WI 53177 have been suggested.