Maxine Novak Obituary

Maxine was born October 22, 1932 in Afton, Iowa to Rupert and Dorothy Lossner departed from us on September 28, 2025 under the care of Hospice and Calvin Community.

Her family moved to Des Moines where she spent the rest of her life. She attended Roosevelt High School. She was united in marriage with Joseph Novak on August 12, 1950. They enjoyed their life in Des Moines with family and many friends as well as traveling around the country to discover more about its’ history and the beauty that surrounds us. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother to her 8 children, a grandmother to 17 and great grandmother to 26. She always had a beautiful colorful garden for all to enjoy. For many years, she was active in volunteering for several functions at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and at Bishop Drum Care Center. She was a volunteer leader for the garage sales at Holy Trinity and took great pride in that accomplishment. She has spent the last few years as a resident at Calvin Community where she experienced a great caring group of friends and staff.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, her daughter Sheryl Ann, her parents, her brother Harold, 2 great grandchildren Ira and Luka Smith, and son-in-law Craig Foutch.

She will be missed by her children: Kathleen Novak, Donna (Dave) Rotschafer, Martin Novak, Teresa (Kevin) Cline, Michelle (Doug) Harvey, Kimberly (Mark) Thompson, Susan (Terry) Smith and her sister Janice Durham.

A graveside service will be held October 11 at 1:00pm at Glendale Cemetery and a celebration of life gathering at Christopher's Restaurant in Beaverdale will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Calvin Community 4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310 in her honor.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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