Rose Marie Novak, 90, formerly of Howells, died Friday, October 16, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hillside Villa in West Point.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30am on Monday, October 19 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Howells with Rev. Walter Jong-A-Kiem as celebrant.  Burial will be at St. John Nepomucene Cemetery with lunch following at the Howells Catholic Social Hall.  Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm with a Vigil Service at 4:00pm all at church.  Memorials may be made to the Howells Community Foundation or St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church.  Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Rose Marie Novak was born on October 17, 1935, to Anton and Selma (Meiergerd) Dinslage in West Point. She grew up on the family farm near Aloys and attended St. Aloysius Catholic Grade School through the eighth grade.

On February 6, 1960, Rose married Marvin J. Novak at St. Aloysius Catholic Church near Aloys. The couple farmed near Howells before moving into town in 1984. They purchased the Owl Cafe, which Rose owned and operated for 30 years before retiring. Even in retirement, Rose stayed busy, working at the Clarkson Bakery.

Rose enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved attending their sporting events and was an avid Husker volleyball fan. Rose enjoyed crocheting and made an afghan for each of her grandchildren upon their high school graduation. She continued the tradition by making an afghan for each grandchild’s growing family.

Rose also enjoyed trips to the casino, playing pitch with family and friends, and a good Diet Pepsi. In her later years, she developed a talent for diamond art, earning numerous awards for her creations at the Cuming County Fair. Rose and Marvin were longtime members of the Pork Producers, and she was also a member of the Howells Community Club, American Legion Auxiliary and Christian Mothers.

Rose is survived by her children and their families,

Daughter, Linda Ernesti of West Point

• Crystal (Chad) Marksmeier, Amy (Russ) Prusa, Adam (Kelsey) Ernesti, and Jacob (Jordan) Ernesti

Son, Joe (Wendy) Novak of Dodge

• Nick (Katie) Novak, Sarah (Jess) Truby, Nathan (Shelby) Novak, Jordan Novak, Brittney (Andy) Hampl, and Niki (Tim) Hagland

Daughter, Lori (Gary) Pickhinke of Howells

• Lindsey Pickhinke and Kyle Pickhinke

Daughter, Linette (Keith) Brester of Howells

• Brook (Tyler) Dostal, Brady (Taryn) Brester, Kalli (Nick) Wendt, and Lexie Brester

And 31 great grandchildren.  Rose is also survived by her brother, Larry (Tonie) Dinslage, and sister-in-law, Diana Dinslage.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin; son-in-law, Ron Ernesti; granddaughter, Amber Ernesti; brother, Alvin Dinslage; and brother-in-law, Jerome Novak.