Eugene John Novak

Eugene John Novak Age: 78

Address: 48024 Co. Rd. 152 Deer River, MN 56601

Date of Death: July 30, 2024   Place of Death: Home

Date of Birth: November 10, 1945   Place of Birth: Brillion, Wisconsin

Survived By: Daughter Dawn Luella Jackson (Eric) of Cass Lake, MN. Daughter Tara Jane Novak (Josh) of Bemidji, MN. Son Michael John Novak (Sydney) of Bemidji, MN. And 18 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild.

Preceded By: Mother Ethel Novak, Step-Father John Novak, Wife Luella Jane Novak (2014), Son Scott Edwin Novak (2018)

Visitation: Wednesday, August 7 beginning at 5:00pm Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, MN

Service: Thursday, August 8 starting at 12:00pm Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, MN

Burial: Pine Ridge Cemetery, Deer River, MN

Gene grew up in Brillion, Wisconsin, and was a proud member of the Oneida Nation and a member of the turtle clan. He was an avid Packer Backer, and shared stories from when he was a young boy of sneaking into Lambeau Field to watch games.

Gene met the love of his life- Luella Mainville in Chicago, IL. They moved to Minneapolis and were married in 1969. After they married, Gene and Luella moved up north to Deer River to start their family. They also took time to rice and hunt together. Gene held a variety of jobs in the area: he was a Deer River Deputy, a lumber operator, forestry technician, and Indian Education Director for Deer River Schools. The family travelled to many powwows and made lifelong friendships. While raising their family, Gene and Luella were avid followers of their children’s sports and activities. Upon his retirement, grandparenting became their greatest joy.

Gene loved to read mystery thrillers, thrift for treasures, build and collect model cars, watch history and crime dramas, and play trivia games. He also loved to attend the grandchildren’s birthday parties, school activities, and $5 movie nights with his children.

Honorary Pallbearers are Gene and Luella’s grandchildren: Greg, Mike, Jacob, Chloe, Gabe, Chris, Ben, Kallie, Bradley, Eej, Ethan, Ava, Ahki, Cole, Ahki, Miskwaa, Giizis, Miika, Ani.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eugene John Novak, please visit our floral store.