Arthur Novak

Arthur Novak, 97, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Fairway View Neighborhoods in Ortonville.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Mundwiler and Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville, MN. A prayer service will begin at 3:45 p.m. A time of coffee and fellowship will be held beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Tim Rynearson will officiate, and inurnment will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Odessa, MN.

Arthur David Novak was born on May 26, 1928, to Rose (Rudnick) and Vincent Novak in Odessa, MN, one of ten children. As a child, Art lived on a farm near Winsted, MN, and later lived in Kingston, MN, and Odessa, MN.

He married Arlene Klapel on June 4, 1955. They were blessed with two sons: James Gerald, born in 1958, and Darold Duane, born in 1960. The family lived in Coon Rapids until 1968, when they moved to Appleton for a short time and then to Ortonville.

Art worked as a lineman for the railroad for many years, traveling during the week and returning home on weekends. After he was injured, he began working for a local farmer and continued that work for many years.

Art was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Fishing and golfing were some of Art’s favorite pastimes. He was especially proud of the 17.5 lb. northern pike he caught and had mounted. In his younger years, Art was quite the pool player and spent time at the local pool hall. Art also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, whist, and watching the Minnesota Twins. For many years, he drove to Colorado at least once a year to visit his kids and grandkids.

Art is survived by his sons: James (Sandy) Novak of Centennial, CO; and Darold Novak of Westminster, CO; grandchildren: Leah (Kellen) Montera of Lone Tree, CO; and Ryan (Lauren) Novak of Aurora, CO; four great-grandchildren: Grayson and Cole Montera, and Sawyer and Christian Novak; sister, Florence (Odell) Olson; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Arlene; his parents: Vince and Rose Novak; brothers: Clemence, Clyde, George, and Paul Novak; and sisters: Francis Christensen Janssen, Jennie Klima, Grace Hegstrom, and Josephine Novak.