Ellen V. Novak

Ellen V. (Steinbach) Novak, age 79 of Grafton, ND passed away Thursday, January 15, 2015 in Yuma, Arizona. Ellen Venetta Steinbach was born June 18, 1935 in Cavalier, ND the daughter of the late Clarence and Gladys (Weeks) Schweiter. She graduated from Drayton High School and later attended Aaker's Business College in Grand Forks. She was united in marriage to Morley Thompson on Nov. 22, 1955 in Drayton, ND. The couple made their home in St. Thomas. Ellen worked as the Postmaster in St. Thomas for 37 years. He passed away on Oct. 21, 1972. She married Leonard Novak on April 27, 2002 in Faribault, MN. The couple has made their home in Grafton. Ellen was a member of the St. Thomas United Methodist Church, the Ottum-Ball American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. She loved to write letters, travel and cooking, always trying new recipes. She was proud to say she had completed her "Bucket List". Ellen is survived by her husband, Leonard of Grafton, ND; son, Bradley (Terresa) Thompson, New Richmond, WI; Grandchildren: Kelly Jo Thompson, Beaverton, OR; Nickolas, Colton & Benjamin Thompson, New Richmond, WI; brothers, Jack (Lynn) Schweitzer, Faribault, MN and Richard (Jeanne) Schweitzer, Shakopee, MN. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Alan, Keith, Angi, Jana and Shea. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Morley Thompson, son Bruce Thompson, granddaughter, Tracy Thompson, brother Keith Steinbach and sister Nancy Schweitzer. Memorial services will be held Saturday, June, 13, 2015 at 10:30 at the St. Thomas United Methodist Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the St. Thomas City Cemetery. The family would request memorials to the St. Thomas United Methodist Church or the donor's choice.