Date of Birth: April 27, 1937
Date of Death: January 12, 2026
Rudolph Novak passed away on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville, SK, at the age of 88 years.
Rudy Novak was the son of the late John and Annie Novak of Waldron, SK, along with
four siblings, Rose, Katie James and Gloria.
As a young man, Rudy was a hard worker on the family farm. He was very social and often found at the community dance functions. He found his love at one of these dances, which led to marriage on Oct. 9, 1967; he married Loretta Schwitzer at Saint Elizabeth Church in Stockholm, SK. They moved together to Waldron to take over the family farm and raise their three children, Roxane, Stewart and Jason. In June 1991, he retired from farming, and they moved to Melville.
Their daughter, Roxane, married Greg Aston of Regina and blessed him with three grandchildren, Cameron, Dylan and Cassandra. Greg and Roxane reside in Cranbrook, B.C. Cameron lives in Calgary, AB. Dylan married Dayle Hansom and granted Rudy three great-granddaughters, Phoenix, Raene and Aurelia; they live in Sparwood, B.C. Cassandra married Derrick Haire and lives in Cranbrook, B.C.
Stewart has been a journeyman locksmith at the same company in Red Deer, AB, for 25 years.
Jason, from Edmonton, has been a chef working camp jobs across the north. Jason has married Paloma and now works camp jobs much closer to home.
Rudy was a very special person. He touched the hearts of many with jokes, stories and his accordion and dancing skills. Other passions were going to the dam to fish, “collecting” and crafting.
Rudy spent the last years of his life at St. Paul Lutheran Home in Melville. While there he was a much-loved resident and always provided joy and positivity. All who came into his life there were better for it and were greatly appreciated by him. He was loved by all and will be missed by all who met him.
Rudy was predeceased by his wife, Loretta; his parents; and siblings Rose and James. Mourning the loss of Rudy are: his sisters, Katie and Gloria; three children; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Rudy has now found peace and will forever be in our hearts.
A vigil service was held Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville, with Deacon Dave Hudy presiding. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, Melville, with the Rev. Fr. Melchor Samonte
officiating. Len and Anna Gadica led in the music. Interment will take place in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Cemetery, Stockholm, at a later date.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
