Michael "Mike" A. Novakovich

Michael "Mike" A. Novakovich

Mike Novakovich, age 73, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, September 30th, 2025, with his family by his side.

Mike was born in Chisholm, Minnesota, on August 26th, 1952, to Anthony and Josephine (Samsa) Novakovich.

He spent his earliest years in Chisholm, Makinen, and Virginia.

As a child, Mike spent much time on the family farm in Makinen with his siblings, going on many adventures in the surrounding woods and in the barn.

From a young age, Mike had a special love and care for his family, even bringing one of his little brothers with him on his paper routes. This protective nature continued throughout Mike's life, especially with his children and grandchildren.

Mike married his wife, Kathy, in 1971, and went on to raise three children together. He loved taking his family on yearly camping trips, bringing his daughters fishing (a tradition that continued on with his grandchildren), working on cars, telling the stories of his childhood adventures, and listening to good tunes. He never missed an opportunity to tease and joke around, especially with those whom he loved.

Mike always proved to be a diligent and hard worker, starting with his paper route as a young boy, then working at the National Grocery Store in Virginia after high school, and then working for local mines. Mike put in most of his work years at Minntac, beginning in the early 90s, until retirement.

Mike is survived by his beloved daughters, Joy (Eric) Malaska, and Kara (Karwin) Marks; grandkids, who affectionately called him "Papa" or "Big Papa Mike": Camryn Matteson (fiance, John), Chacey (Nathanial) Lundblad, Morgan Marks, and Payton Marks; siblings: Nancy Kurtenbach, Karen Landa, Joe Novakovich, Tom Smith, and Steve Novakovich; nephews, Joe Daubman (Kate and son, David), and Josh Smith; and his ex-wife, Kathy, and her family.

Mike was preceded in death by sons, Jesse and Michael; his parents; nephew, David; brothers-in-law, Ron and Eddie; and his special auntie, Steffa.

A private family gathering and burial will be held in memory of Mike.