A private family service will be held in New Ulm, Minnesota. Burial will be in the Irving/Novak lot at the New Ulm City Cemetery. Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm is handling the arrangements. Memorials to either the New Ulm Public Library or Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm are preferred in lieu of flowers.

A descendant of the early pioneers of New Ulm, Selene Joy Irving was born July 11, 1926 at Union Hospital in New Ulm to Josephine (Gebhard) and James A. Irving. She moved with her parents first to Hopkins, MN, and then to Eveleth, MN where she grew up. After graduating from high school with honors, she attended Eveleth Junior College, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in microbiology. She was married to Richard Alonzo Novak on June 13, 1948 at the Continuation Center Chapel at the University with her uncle, Reverend Edward Gebhard, officiating.

In 1951, Selene and Richard moved to New Ulm where, with Henry Nupson, they established Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories. In addition to raising three daughters, Selene served on the Board of Directors for Minnesota Valley Testing Laboratories, and ran Bio-Test Laboratories in New Ulm for several years. She was active in the American Association of University Women, served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for her daughters, and was a member of the Ida McKinley Chapter of the Eastern Star at Hopkins. Selene was also a member of the United Church of Christ in New Ulm, teaching Sunday school for several years and belonging to the Colonial Circle. In her later years, she returned to the Methodist Church, the faith of her youth.

Selene is survived by her three daughters, Anne (Tom) Callahan of Loveland, CO, Jane (Tommy) Herman of Sioux Falls, SD, and Susan (Bill) Otto of New Ulm. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Michael (Erin Westfall) Callahan of St. Peter, MN, Erin (Shawn) Gallegos of Fort Collins, CO, Katie Jane Herman of Sioux Falls, SD, and John Otto of New Ulm; three step-grandchildren Angela Otto, Christopher (Michelle) Otto, T. J. (Miranda) Otto; five great-grandchildren, 11 step-great -grandchildren, and 2 step great great-grandchildren.

Welcoming Selene to heaven with open arms and great joy are her parents, James and Josephine (Gebhard) Irving, Richard, her husband of 60 years, and the infant daughter of Tom and Anne Callahan.

Although in her later years Selene was unable to see well, she never lost her love for learning. She listened to books on tape and never missed the television nightly news. Always ready with a wry quip or astute political observation, she kept everyone on their toes.

Selene was known to many as a very quiet woman, but as the saying goes, “Still waters run deep”, and that was so true of her. Her insights and wisdom were cherished by her daughters, and they always knew she would offer a word of thoughtful advice when needed. She delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, calling them “My Joy”.

A deeply spiritual person, her faith in God was unwavering and strong, and her love for her family was boundless. It is comforting to those who remain behind that she is now free of all physical bonds, and is waiting with joyful hope to be reunited with those whom she loved so dearly

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]