Catherine M. “Cathy” Novak, age 69, of Dyersville, IA, completed her earthly journey on September 17, 2025, at the Dyersville Senior Care Center.  To honor Cathy’s life, a private family graveside service will be held at the Rosehill Cemetery in Pender, NE.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Cathy’s family.

Cathy was born on December 9, 1955, in Bancroft, NE, a daughter to Raymond and Norma (Witt) Novak.  She was truly blessed with a strong spirit and a joyful heart which she would carry faithfully throughout her life.  She spent her primary years in Nebraska, before making her way to Sioux City, and eventually to Dubuque after a few other stops along the way.  She worked primarily in clerical departments and as a blackjack dealer before she finally opened her own bookstore, Catherine’s Used Books in downtown Dubuque.  She was an avid reader and to find herself surrounded by one of her passions each day was like never having to work another day in her life.  Sadly, health issues had plagued Cathy much of her adult life and in time, they caught up to her and being able to fulfill a daily work schedule just became a challenge she wasn’t going to be able to continue conquering.

Cathy enjoyed jigsaw puzzles in her free-time, but ultimately, being a Mom and Grandma was where her greatest joy was to be found.  Her generous and kind heart, coupled with her brazen sense of humor carried her through many days which most of us would have surrendered long ago.  Cathy loved life, her family, and always made the most of her time with those around her.  It is a sad day to have to accept that her journey among us is now complete and only the abundance of beautiful memories she leaves behind will remain to comfort our broken hearts.  Thank you, Cathy, for never allowing the trials and tribulations you faced to ever come between you and those you loved.  May the lessons you taught us be seen vividly within our lives as we wait patiently now to see your contagious smile once again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Cathy include,

her two adored daughters,
Suzanne (William) Hartwig, Dyersville, IA,
and Shannon (Rick) Johnston, Dyersville, IA;

her three grandchildren,
Christopher Riley, Kansas City, MO,
Bianca Johnston, Dyersville, IA,
and Oliver Johnston, Dyersville, IA;

her great-grandson,
Christopher Riley, Jr., Kansas City, MO;

her mother,
Norma Novak, Randolph, NE;

her brother,
Clifford (Nancy) Novak, Bancroft, NE;

her sisters-in-law,
Patty Novak, Umatilla, FL,
and Dawn Fillipi, NE;

her nieces and nephews,
Frieda Novak, Maryanne Novak, Kellie Fillipi, Jody Fillipi, Russ Novak, Steven Novak, Martin Novak, Nicholas Novak, David Novak, Matt Novak and Grant Fillipi;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Cathy was preceded in death by her father; and three brothers, Steven Novak, Stanley Novak, and Russell Novak.

Cathy’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Dyersville Senior Care and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Cathy’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com