Debra Jane (Kohnen) Novacek

Debra J. Novacek, age 68, of Nashwauk, formerly of Foreston and South Haven, died Sunday, October 23, 2022, under the care of hospice and her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 28, 2022, at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Annandale with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30-10:30 on Friday, both at the church. There will be a prayer service at 6:30 pm. on Thursday at the church. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home website.

Debra Jane Kohnen was born June 10, 1954, in Maple Plain, Minnesota to Gerald and Alicia (Steffens) Kohnen. Deb grew up on the family farm near Rockford, along with her six siblings. She attended school in Rockford, graduating with the Class of 1972. On October 22, 1982, Deb was united in marriage to James S. Novacek at St. Mary Catholic Church in Waverly. They lived on a hobby farm outside of Montrose for their first 19 years of marriage, before moving to another hobby farm in rural South Haven, where they raised their family. In addition to farming alongside Jim, Deb also worked as a home health aide. In 2012, Deb and Jim moved to Nashwauk, before moving to Foreston in 2016. Following Jim's death in 2020, Deb moved back to Nashwauk. Deb enjoyed showing sheep for 4-H, as well as at the State and County Fair, spectating tractor pulling events, tending to her garden and vegetable gardens, base jumping, and sewing. She also loved to be on the lake, whether fishing or boating. Nothing brought Deb greater joy than spending time in the presence of her family, especially her grandchildren.

Debbie is survived by her children, Mike (Kori) Maas of Watkins, Tammy (Eric) Clausen of South Haven, Jesse Novacek of Nashwauk, and Patrick (Tina) Novacek of South Haven; grandchildren, Taylor (Evie), Tucker, Allyssa, Rylee, Daisy, Melanie, Lydia, and Gabe; great-grandson, Jax; siblings, Mary Ellen (Arnold) Bechtold of Becker, Donald (Carol) Kohnen of Paynesville, Robert (Laurie) Kohnen of Paynesville, and Terri (Glen) Fleischhacker of Albany; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Alicia; husband, Jim; brother, James Kohnen; sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Joseph Fleischhacker; niece, Brenda Kohnen; and nephew, Spencer Kohnen.

Eric, Adam, and Steven Novacek, Andrew Musolf, Glen Fleischhacker, Jordan Kohnen, and Mitch and Brandon Schindele will serve as casket bearers. St. Ignatius Music Ministry will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.

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