Marie Bohemila Novak

Marie Novak, 82, of Grand Forks, ND died Friday, April 20, 2012 in her home surrounded by her family. Marie Bohemila Mala was born to John and Marie Mala on August 28, 1929 in Hradistko, Czechoslovakia. In October of 1947, Marie married Ladislav Anthony Novak and the newlyweds began their journey to escape communism in Eastern Europe. While spending 2 years in refugee camps in Germany and Italy, their daughter Ilona was born in 1949. The young family got word in 1950 that a sponsor had been found in the United States and they were on their way to Mayville, North Dakota. The Novak's spent almost 2 years in Mayville before moving to Devils Lake where Marie enjoyed her role as a homemaker. In 1959, Laddie and Marie moved to Grand Forks and formed a business together that is now known as L & M Meats. Marie was very active in the business for many years serving as the bookkeeper, laundress, cleaner, courier and other duties too numerous to mention. She was very proud of what they had accomplished while raising five children. Marie was an outstanding cook and her roses were the envy of the neighborhood. Marie is survived by a daughter, Vera (Tom) of Willmar, sons Laddie Jr. (Paulette), Garry, and Jeff, all of Grand forks; grandchildren, Jennifer, Mitchell, Jodi, Paul, Pat, Gina, Greg, Randy, Jimmie, Shelby, Anthony , Joey and great-grandchildren, Drew, Nick, Kayla, Alexa, Brenden, Abby, Grant, Taylor, Alexis, Noah, Hunter, Talon and Jaxon. She is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Ilona and husband of 64 years, Laddie. A memorial Service will be on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 7PM in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks.