Leonard R. Novak

Leonard R. Novak, age 96 of Grafton, ND, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.

Leonard Novak was born June 25, 1929 in Walsh County, ND, the son of the late Anton and Margaret (Barta) Novak. He grew up and attended school in the Pisek area. Following his education, he farmed for a short time. He served in the US Army from 1951-1953. Following his discharge he attended the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. Upon his graduation, he returned to Walsh County where he worked as an electrician for American Crystal Sugar for over 30 years. He was united in marriage to Ellen (Steinbach) Thompson on April 27, 2002 in Faribault, MN. The couple made their home in Grafton and wintered in Arizona. Ellen and Leonard enjoyed traveling and golfing together. Ellen passed away on January 15, 2015 and Leonard continued to make his home in Grafton until his passing.

He was a proud member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Grafton, as well as a lifelong supporter of the Fair Oaks Golf Club in Grafton, Grafton American Legion and VFW. He loved spending his summer days on the golf course, and he even had the chance to play golf in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Scotland! Traveling, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family brought him so much joy.

Leonard is survived by his stepson Bradley Thompson, New Richmond, Wisconsin; daughters-in-law, JoAnne Thompson, Beaverton, Oregon, and Terresa Thompson, Roberts, Wisconsin; his grandchildren: Kelly Jo Thompson, Nickolas Thompson, Colton Thompson, Benjamin Thompson, his sisters-in-law Dorothy Novak, Delores Novak, Elaine Novak, Pat Novak, Maureen Novak; and many nieces, and nephews who were very fond of their uncle Leonard. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ellen Novak; stepson, Bruce Thompson; granddaughter Tracy Thompson; his sisters: Florence Pecka, Edith Ramsey Flint, Doris Wilhelmi; brothers: Tony, Cyril, Vivian, Herman; brothers-in-law: George Pecka, Desmond Ramsey, Dick Wilhelmi, David Flint. Leonard was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:30 am at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. Interment will be at the St. Thomas City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to your local community organizations or charity of your choice.