Gerald Joseph ‘Jerry’ Novak, 72, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. 

He was born Jan. 4, 1946, in Austin, the son of Francis and Mary ‘Beth’ (Sweeney) Novak. A lifelong Austin resident, Jerry graduated from Pacelli High School in 1965 and worked at the Hormel plant for 40 years and one day. On July 26, 1969, he was united in marriage to Linda Clayton at Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Together, the couple raised three children. Jerry was a member of Queen of Angels, the Eagles Club, the American Legion and the Mower County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse. He enjoyed woodworking and loved the outdoors, spending leisure time fishing, hunting, and vacationing at the cabin on Lake Mille Lacs. He also helped on the family farm. Jerry’s favorite television shows were American Pickers and Gunsmoke and he was proud to claim he knew all the words to each episode. The love of his life was his wife Linda, whom he loved to call ‘his bride.’ Jerry treasured his family and the time he could spend with Linda, his children and his grandchildren. His smile and blue eyes would light up the room. He will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, 2 months, and 28 days, Linda Novak of Austin; his sons, Spencer Novak of Austin and Jason (Tonya) Novak of Rose Creek, Minnesota; his daughter, Tammie Braaten of Austin; grandchildren, Benjamin Braaten, Emily (Kjell) Jacobson, Alix Novak (Ashley Follmuth), Allison Braaten, Clayton Novak and Darbee Novak; great-granddaughter, Luna Rae Jacobson; his brothers, John Novak of Faribault, Minnesota, Joe (Jodi) Novak and Mark Novak, both of Austin; his sisters, Mary (Tim) Reisnour and Sue (Bruce) Nilsen, both of Austin; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Mary ‘Beth’ Novak; parents-in-law, Fred and Allet Clayton; his son-in-law, Dan Braaten; granddaughter, Samantha Novak; brother, Jim (Dallas) Novak; nephew, Chad Clayton; brothers-in-law, Dan (Ann) Clayton and Kenny Clayton; and sister-in-law, Sheila (Jerry) Dion.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Father Raul Silva officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.