Viola Novitzke
Viola Novitzke, age 98, formerly of Park Falls, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at her home in Cashton, after a short illness. She was born at home on February 10, 1923, to John and Margaret (Fischer) Butalla.
She was raised on the family farm outside of Marathon City and graduated from Marathon High School. After graduation she received her beautician license and worked in Wausau. During World War II she lived in Tacoma and Seattle, Wash., working various jobs including one at Boeing Aircraft as a “Rosie the Riveter.” Her father’s illness forced her return to Marathon to work the family farm until the return of her military brothers.
After the war she worked as a beautician and on June 21, 1947, she was united in marriage to Clarence Novitzke of Edgar. Clarence’s bachelor degrees in biology and chemistry lead to becoming a licensed funeral director. During 1958-1981 they joined professionally as business partners owning and operating the Novitzke Funeral Home in Park Falls. For many years they also served the northwoods area with ambulance service. In 1981 they sold the funeral home to their son, John, and eventually retired to McAllen, Texas.
After the death of her husband, she continued living in Texas and eventually built a year-round home in Cashton.
Besides traveling and spending time with her family, she enjoyed bowling, golfing and gardening. She was still an active golfer at age 93. She was a member of St. Anthony Church, active in the Altar Society, held various offices with the American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered at Park Falls Hospital and local nursing homes as a Gray Lady.
She is survived by her three children: Carla (Michael) Mountain of Waupun, Linda (Gary) Hanson of Cashton and John (Michelle Rauschenbach) Novitzke of Park Falls; four grandchildren: James (Sandy) Mountain of Manitowoc, Jennifer (Matt Mitchell) Mountain of Appleton, Heather Hanson of De Forest and Holly Hanson of West Salem; four greatgrandchildren: Katrina Herrem of De Forest, Connor Kaiser of West Salem, Madison Kaiser of West Salem and Olivia Mitchell of Appleton; her brother, Harold (Ruth) Butalla of Marathon; her sister, Arlean (Ervin) Jagodzinski of Wausau; two step-grandchildren: Courtney (Arnie Litersky) Rauschenbach of Ashland and Henry Rauschenbach of Park Falls; five stepgreat- grandchildren: Arnie and Rosie Litersky & Hailey, Hank and Layla Rauschenbach; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; her parents, seven brothers and three sisters.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at Birch Street Funeral Service (formerly Novitzke Funeral Home) in Park Falls from 4-8 p.m. with a Rosary offered at 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, Nov. 24, a visitation was held at the funeral home from 9-9:30 a.m. No visitation was at the church.
The funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls. Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara presided. Deacon Robert Schienebeck and Deacon David Bablick also presided.
Burial followed at Nola Cemetery in Park Falls. Birch Street Funeral Service (formerly Novitzke Funeral Home) is assisting the family. www.birchstreetfuneralservice.com.
Paid obituary 113627
