ForeverMissed
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Our memories are precious treasure, especially when those memories are of a person who has moved on to be with the Lord. Our memories serve as a vehicle to transport us to a time when the person we miss so dearly was with us. Through memories we can experience that person’s presence, even if for a little time. Chris is not gone; she is just not here in our physical presence right now. She will live on as long as we keep alive the memories we have shared with her.

Simple words can never completely serve to illustrate who Christine Novak was as a person. She has been so many things to so many people. All who have come in contact with her have known her in different ways. But if we all share our memories and connections that we had with her, we can weave a tapestry of remembrance. As time moves on, and memories start to fade, we will have these stories and tributes to look back on to remind us of what a special person we had in our midst.

Not only will sharing online bring us together as a community who love Chris, but it will allow us to become the voices that remind her children as they grow up how special their mom was to everyone around her.

I (Amy McQuiggan, long-time family friend) am going to create a hard copy of the memories and pictures that people share on this site. That way, as the kids grow up they can read through these stories and tributes whenever they want to.

There are five ways you can share your thoughts and memories:

Scroll down and share a Tribute below. A tribute is a great way to express admirable traits that Chris possessed and to share thoughts about her impact on your life.

Click the “stories” tab above to share specific stories about Chris. These can be funny, serious, or just recounting some time that you shared with her. You can also share pictures that correspond to the stories. 

Click the "gallery" tab above to share stand-alone pictures. These will be helpful when creating the printed book to place on pages that contain tributes. 

Click the "gallery" tab and download a video tribute, a story, or a short video clip you may have of Chris. If we get enough videos, we will compile them into one edited video for the kids to watch. 

If you want to write a tribute or memory or to share a picture for the printed book only (for the Novak family) and you prefer not to share online, you can email the designated email address:

christinenovakmemories@gmail.com

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, memories, and pictures. If you would like your submission to be included in the printed memorial book, make sure you add it by October 1, 2017. If you have any questions about the page or submissions, you can reach me at the email above. 

Tributes

Leave a tribute
Dallas Dixon
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
I have never met you. And I don't know your family, your friends, or anything about you. But I recently heard your story and it broke my heart.
My heart and soul are out for your family and loved ones.
You are missed and loved by these people.
Amanda Fassler
November 1, 2018
November 1, 2018
Trying to put words to the love and memories of Chris I hold in my heart seems an impossible task; not one word in the English dictionary seems to suffice. Writing down the memories seems an inadequate representation of who Chris was and how she made me feel, and yet, sharing about her seems so right because her life had such an enormous impact on me and many others. She taught me so many things about life and she influenced the way I think and the way I do many tasks. I have a Flour Mill because of her; I made my own baby wipes because of her; I use essential oils because of her; I play with my children more and use electronics less because of her. There are countless ways she influenced my life, and affected the way I do things.
I first met Chris in high school. Chris and Joe and Matt and I represented 4 consecutive years of Faith Christian School's graduating classes. Joe was Class of 94, Chris was Class of 95, Matt was Class of 96, and I was Class of 97. We loved to reminisce about high school, especially sports and teachers. We teased Chris and Joe about a particular locker room rendezvous that happened back then, but I'll let Joe explain that! Chris and I really became close after high school when Joe was away at college. I honestly don't even remember why or how we began spending so much time together during college, but I'm forever grateful that we did.
After Joe and Chris got married and moved to St Louis, Matt and I made many visits there. We weren't even married yet when we started going to visit them. In those pre-child years we would spend a lot of time exploring the city, visiting museums and Union station, touring the brewery and the arch, and eating out. We also loved visiting over Labor Day weekend when their church there held a sand volleyball tournament. We had a lot of fun playing in that tournament!
As the children began arriving, we continued to enjoy time with them doing more things such as playing at the park, visiting the zoo, grilling out, and playing games. As the children got older, we spent a lot of time playing all sorts of games and sports with them. We loved meeting them at different parks for camping trips. Chris loved to let the kids have fun; I mean, not everyone has a trampoline in their living room, etc... Joe always wanted the guys to play basketball when our boys got old enough, but sometimes Chris and I could get them to play Novak v Fassler family volleyball.
Chris and I especially loved baking together. Once, before either of us were married, we did some Christmas baking. Chris always had new recipes she wanted to experiment with, and that year she wanted to try some candied orange peels. They turned out very bitter and we got a lot of laughs out of how terrible they were. We would get together often in the fall to do baking also. We'd make applesauce and pumpkin pie and pumpkin bars and apple dumplings. Sometimes it was like a science experiment trying to accommodate both families' allergies. Once we tried to make dairy free scalloped potatoes with tofu, and all of us spent many hours in the bathroom following that meal. That gave us many laughs also!
I remember one winter that I took my family to the water park resort near Chris and Joe's house. The day we were heading back home there was a snow storm. Chris called me and all but begged us to come stay with them instead of driving home in the snow. She scrounged up snow gear for everyone so that we could all go sledding and play in the snow. Then we had hot drinks and enjoyed the warmth of being inside together in the snow storm.
Chris and I had quite the reputation with our husbands for how we'd talk and talk and talk and talk. When we were younger we'd stay up until the wee hours of the morning just talking, but as we aged and became mothers we couldn't stay awake as late anymore. We could never get enough talking done!
I loved Chris so much! I'd send her texts just to say, "How's it going? I miss you! I just need a friend." And she'd do the same. Sometimes I'd just get to feeling a little lonely, and she was that long time comfort friend. She called me and I came to stay with her during one of her miscarriages just to comfort her and cheer her up and take care of her. I will always remember that. I remember her naming the first baby she lost when they were able to tell her it had been a boy. She loved her children so much, and each miscarriage was a very deep loss to her. She was an amazing mother, and to me she was an amazing friend.
One thing I greatly admired was the way she could start a conversation with anyone anywhere. If we were checking out at the grocery store or walking down the sidewalk, she'd think of a question to ask and have a little conversation with everyone. She was always learning from people, studying, listening, and putting things into action. I hope and pray that I can have the kind of impact on others that she had.
There are so many more things I want to say about her, and maybe some day I can share more. For now, I think this is a small glimpse of the amazing friend she was to me. I hope I was as good to her as she was to me. I will be forever changed because of knowing and loving her.
Emily Brensinger
November 1, 2018
November 1, 2018
I believe I met Chris at a piano recital of Bethany Hartlaub's, maybe 8 years ago. My two youngest children(Hope & Tony)were Bethany's students. Chris was always a joy to be around and she made me feel very welcome whenever I would be in her home. She truly is missed!!
Jody Novak
November 1, 2018
November 1, 2018
I have so many beautiful memories of your precious mom! She was like a daughter to me and a treasured friend.
My greatest memory is that she loved The Lord. Even though her days were filled with caring for all of you, she sought to stay close to Him by reading His Word and talking with Him in prayer. Jesus was her peace…her strength…her wisdom…her everything!
Your mom loved learning about marriage, motherhood, home discipleship, and homemaking. She read much on these subjects—she wanted to be the best she could be.
I will miss our talks, as she shared with me what she was learning.
Your mom was so creative and fun-loving! One funny memory I have of her took place while we were having dinner at your house. Your Grammy Dunn, Elizabeth, and I were eating and chatting together, when Elizabeth, who must have been about 4 years old at the time, casually shared, “Mommy has a baby in her tummy.” It took a few moments for this wonderful news to soak in; and then amidst shouts of joy, I quickly scanned the room for your mom. There she was—standing across the room—laughing at our reactions! She had been watching and waiting to see if Elizabeth would make the birth announcement for her; and Elizabeth didn’t disappoint her! LOL
Your mom lived a life of self-sacrifice. One memory I have of her took place one Christmas when your family, as well as your Aunt Jana’s, Uncle Johnny’s, and Aunt Jaimee’s families were all celebrating together at Grandpa’s and my house. At bedtime every bed and corner of the house was filled. Before going to bed, I showed your mom where the extra pillows, sleeping bags, and camp mats were, just in case they were needed during the night. The next morning your mom was tired; and I was horrified to learn where she had slept. One of her little ones, who was sleeping in her room, was being a noisy sleeper; so she found the only quiet place left in the house—the laundry room—and made a bed for herself with a pillow, sleeping bag, and camp mat on the concrete floor! She said the hum of the freezer was a great sound machine! LOL
I have a stone in my garden which reads, “When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” This is certainly true. These memories I have of your mom—and countless others—are becoming more and more of a priceless treasure to me.
Jessie Cordova
October 31, 2018
October 31, 2018
I met Chris soon after she moved up to WI. She was the most hospitable, kind, compassionate, and wise woman of great conviction that I had ever met at that point. I learned so much from her and shared many of her passions, but wasn’t nearly as consistent
Pam Gagnon
October 27, 2018
October 27, 2018
I met Chris in 2007 while their family was moving into their Lake Geneva home. I was walking 3 dogs off leash at the time and one of the dogs decided to see what was going on at their house. Chris had the front door open and the dog ran right into their home! I ran over there to get the dog. I saw Chris for the first time. She was holding Elizabeth when she was a baby. I was so embarrassed but she and Joe weren't bothered too much by it.
The next time I saw Joe and Chris wasn't too long after that embarrassing first meet. When I talked to them, I thought to myself there was something different about them but wasn't sure what it was. You see, I wasn't a Christian yet. 
After that, I didn't see them until after I got saved in 2008. I saw them at Mt Zion and understood what was different about them. They were saved!
I became friends with Chris and started cleaning their home. I always thought she was such a breath of fresh air. She was so easy to talk to. She was always so kind.
Our Moms both passed away a few months apart. It was a very hard time for both of us. We would talk alot about our grief. She really was a genuine, sincere, kind, loving woman. I miss her dearly.
Chloe Harris
October 22, 2018
October 22, 2018
Where do you even start something like this? Christine Novak was without a doubt one of the single most kind, generous, considerate, hard-working, self-sacrificial, others-minded, beautiful, creative, fun, goofy, sweet hearted person I have ever met. And those words don't even touch the surface of how I would like to describe her. I remember so many summers where she would have the bedrooms ready for the Harris family (+ Ruth) to visit. She would have thought all the arrangements out so carefully so everyone would enjoy their time in her home. She would plan the meals in advance to cater to our needs and preferences. Somehow in the midst of keeping her home beautiful, clean and peaceful, she found time to join in on all the fun we were having and make any ordinary activity a unique fun experience.
I learned so much from her graceful demeanor. Games aren't stressful - they can be competitive - but they're meant to be fun. Live a healthy lifestyle. Laugh. Cry. Be authentic in every way. Love others fiercely & be selfless. Mrs. Novak didn't exemplify just one or a few of these things, she demonstrated all of them. 
Growing up with Mrs. Novak in my life was an immense privilege. I am beyond grateful for the time I got with her.
Chelsea Azzarello
October 13, 2018
October 13, 2018
Dear precious Novak family,
Your mother was simply amazing. I remember when Joseph brought me around at the beginning and how she welcomed me into the family. I was always impressed with how happy she was and how she was handled all her earthly duties with so much grace. She really magnified our Lord! She was a prayer warrior. She prayed so much for our little Boaz and I believe he pulled through his NICU days due to her prayers. I see her in all of you kids! You are all in our thoughts and prayers and I look forward to the times we'll get together.
Love,
Chelsea Azzarello
Diane Fitz
October 2, 2018
October 2, 2018
Dearest Littles and Middles, I remember the day your mom was born. Your grammy Carolyn and I took Aunts Jennifer and Katie, and Uncle Jimmy skiing at Majestic Hills in Lake Geneva. It was snowing and I was teaching Jennifer and Jimmy how to ski while your grammy and Katie waited inside the lodge. At one point Katie came outside to tell me Grammy needed me to come in. I didn't realize at the time the urgency of the message. Katie came out a second time with more intensity. She was only 6 yrs. old. At that point I collected Jennifer and Jimmy and made our way inside where Grammy told me her water had broken! She was in labor! Needless to say, we rushed Grammy home and from there, Great Grandma Shem hurried her to the hospital in Elkhorn, where soon after arrival, she gave birth to your mom, Christine Ann Kelby.
 
When she was a small girl, they continued to live in Lake Geneva until the move to Dixon.  I would babysit quite often or just stop by to hang out. We had fun goofing around and playing games.

Your Mom and Dad's wedding was a joyful, beautiful and brilliantly sunny day. What a celebration it was. They were so happy and it showed on their ever glowing faces how much they loved each other. I remember it well.

When your Mom and Dad announced they were moving to Lake Geneva, just down the road from where I lived, I was so excited, and your grammy was ecstatic! Since that time I was fortunate to witness what a wonderful and caring mother she was. She loved each and every one of you unconditionally, to the fullest and with a joyful heart. She taught you the love of Jesus through her actions and words without having to raise her voice (most of the time :)). I admired how she and your dad taught you to accept your chores without complaint. 

Your mom was an exemplary example of joy, grace and kindness. She genuinely cared about the people in her life. She never spoke an adverse word or thought about anyone. She put everything into the positive. She was a great role model for me and many others in her life. Now, we all realize just how much effort she put in to each and every day of life because it has taken numerous people to accomplish the things she did alone from raising and homeschooling to shopping and cooking to house management and so much more. She was amazing.

Now, I see your mom's reflection in each of your faces and in your actions. You are all a reminder of the woman she was.  Evie especially reminds me of her when she was a little girl. The big toothy smile and bright eyes are exactly as I remember her. 

Loretta Shem
October 1, 2018
October 1, 2018
Dear Chrissy, I am going to miss you everyday for the rest of my life. I promise to love and cherish for all your children here on earth, and help them keep the memories of you real. We planted a garden this past summer. I hope you saw it. It was very successful. 100 cucumbers, 20 squash, 14 pumpkins and more. I ended up calling it "Christine's Memorial Garden and Pumpkin Patch". Timmy helped a lot with the weeds. Evelyn visited it with me often and we fed some of the cucumbers to the goats. Elizabeth made a beautiful sign that said "Bess This Garden", and Justin helped pick beans several times. He loved the 15 foot sunflowers, calling them "my sunflowers".
I may have found a way to keep the thistles away by never letting them see the sun! Remember how I dug and dug to get the "mother roots" out.
I see you everywhere at your house and especially in the faces of those beautiful children. I was around when you grew up, too. I want to be there for each one of them in whatever way I can. I love them so much. I love you so much.
I believe you and Carolyn are serving God with the angels. And you are raising the other babies!!! Give them all a hug and kiss from me. 
I will continue my intercessory mission until I see you again face to face.
Love, Aunt Redda, Aunt Duwetta, Aunt Loretta.
Rosie Novak
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2018
Dear Elizabeth and Evelyn
One of my memories of Chris, is her standing on stairs in
San Diego at family wedding; she look so beutiful I'm not sure if her dress was gold or nude and her hair was a wavy blond. When I saw her standing at the outdoors stairs, she reminded me of one the old glamours movies
stars . Chris was not only beautiful in the outside but also inside . Always with a smile and a kind word. I know, we text after her mother die and my husband (Uncle Andy) she wanted to make sure I was not alone during holidays. It was important to her. I will always remember her reaching out to me . We, all can be sure that there is an angel in heaven looking after all of us.
Love you Chrissy
John Novak
September 14, 2018
September 14, 2018
A little known fact that I would never have shared at the funeral was that your Mom broke up with your Dad in the summer of 1997. After the break-up, your Dad put all of his energy into his little painting business and ping pong. He came in third place in an Illinois Championship Tournament. In the fall of 1997, your Mom was regretting her decision to break up and drove to Champaign, Illinois, where your Dad was in his final year at the University of Illinois. Your Dad refused to see her; and she drove home without ever getting to talk to him. She called me on her cell while driving back sobbing. I could hardly understand her pleas for my intervention. Needless to say, I took up her cause. I never could say, "No" to your Mom. I loved her so much.  In December of the same year, your Dad and I bought a diamond ring and in August of 1998 they were married.  Best intervention of my life!
Brenda Norton
August 13, 2018
August 13, 2018
It’s so difficult to believe that Chris has been gone one year. I remember her shining face of joy and that huge smile. It was always so great to see her when the family would come back to St. Louis to visit. She was so popular that people would be crowded around her waiting to talk to her after church. She was always a blessing to everyone. She loved others well and she loved the Lord. I miss her.
Jaimee Arroyo
September 28, 2017
September 28, 2017
Dear Elizabeth and Evelyn,

The first memory I have of your mother was playing out in the snow in Grandma and Grandpa’s backyard. I remember her smile, her laugh, and her love for you father Joe. If I ever was sure about anything it was that she loved him very much. I remember when she asked me to be in her wedding. I squealed and danced and jumped up and down. I was so excited to be gaining another sister. At her wedding, her bouquet had 21 red roses, which was how old she was. During her vows she was trying to say, “I joyfully give myself to you” but was crying so much that she blurted out, “I don’t SOUND very joyful!” We all had a really good laugh. She was able to finish her vows, which she faithfully kept until the day she died.

After high school she dyed her hair auburn red. It was so pretty. Really there never was a time that I didn’t think your mom was gorgeous. One time she invited me to a Matrix hair show. We got to pick to get our hair done any way we wanted for free and since they were short a few models they asked your mom and me to walk the runway. It was by far one of the craziest things I ever did but we had so much fun. She made sure everything we ever did was an adventure.

Your mom and I took a lot of walks and talks over the years. It was our special thing. Every holiday or family get together we would escape after dinner and talk about all the things on our hearts. She was such a good listener and always gave good godly advice. What I wouldn’t give for just one more walk.

Over the years your mom took Uncle Johnny and me with your dad to many fun things. If we made a list of all the trips your mom ever took it would be a very long. She was such an adventurer. Some of my favorites were going to the apple orchards, Lord of the Dance, the Michigan Dunes, the Butterfly House, the St. Louis arch, and skiing. I remember going over a little ski jump and her telling me now remember to get enough speed so I wouldn’t slide back down. I got way too much speed and she yelled out, “Jaimee you are going TOO fast!” I hit the ramp and flew through the air and then fell hard. She had to call the medic toboggan to come and get me. I was ok but what an experience. That was her goal to always give us an experience to remember.

I remember one time when she was pregnant with either you Elizabeth or Timothy and she came out to the Grandma and Grandpa’s back porch. She had stuffed a pillow into her dress to make it look like she was further along than she was. It was hilarious. She loved a good practical joke. I remember she was so big with Jordan. He was a huge baby and she was such a petite person. At his baby shower she said she was so sick of people asking her if she was carrying twins. Your mom had a lot of spice and never failed to le us all know what was on her mind. I loved that about her.

Your mom was sentimental and loved trying all the Polish things connected to both sides of your family tree. She tried to make gwumpki, kruschiki, and poppy seed bread. Your mom wanted to taste and to try every recipe. It was like she couldn’t get enough out of life and wanted to try everything.


I’m going to miss her. I’m going to miss the way she didn’t just walk through a room but bounced through it. I’m going to miss her big chunky sweaters from Ireland and the way she held her hands sometimes in her pockets. I’m going to miss her tilting her head back and laughing with her whole mouth open. I’m going to miss that mischievous twinkle in her eyes, the same one I see in you and Evelyn. I’m going to miss the way she called you and your siblings “Miss” and “Mister” when you were babies. I loved the cute baby voice she used when telling your dad what you were trying to say before you could talk. She was a wonderful person in everyway. I see so much of her in both of you. I’m thankful that she poured so much of herself in to you girls. I love you both.
Toni Pieper
August 24, 2017
August 24, 2017
I met Chris at Mt. Zion Christian Church. It was spring of 2011. We were both expecting, she with Timothy and me with Alexa. She sought me out because we were both pregnant. We became fast friends. I had 2 girls already that were about Elizabeth's age. The three of them loved to run around church together. I found myself staying late after service just so I could say hi to Chris. We would discuss how having a baby in the house was and would give each other encouragement and advice where we could. She was so warm and was always smiling. She was one of those people that everyone wanted to be around.
We went to a few play dates at her house. I remember walking in thinking how does a mother of almost five keep such a beautiful home. Being a mother of almost three I felt like I was barely holding things together. As she showed us around we went into the school room. I was blown away by how she also taught all the kids at home. The room was neat and in order with desks and everything. My admiration for her grew more. Then we went outside. She showed us an incredible garden and chickens. I was in awe! She was a gracious host during our visits.
I remember coming over to swim the summer of 2011. Both of us with giant bellies enjoying the sun. I had forgotten to bring my camera. She took pictures for me and emailed them to me. My girls loved playing with Elizabeth.
I remember going to a jewelry party at the house. She had gone above and beyond with fun little foods and pulled out all kinds of jewelry for the girls to wear. It was so girly and fun. She tried hard to create some girliness for Elizabeth to a house overridden with boys! She loved having a girl!
She was a big believer of natural remedies. She loved to use oils. She researched in depth about which oils were good for what. She was ready to share knowledge she had found from reading about the oils. I remember she always smelled like a mixture tea tree oil and other oils. She smelled good.
We moved away the summer of 2014 and it was hard to keep in touch because she didn't do Facebook. We emailed back and forth a few times. She was an amazing woman. I wish we could've had more play-dates with our kiddos and could learn from her infinite knowledge. I miss her!
Casey Sampson
August 22, 2017
August 22, 2017
I remember seeing Chris on Sundays with all 7 of her kids sitting quietly in their row. Even the littlest one which is Selah's age would play quietly or sleep. I would grab Selah from the nursery and bring her back to the sanctuary to fellowship and Selah is running around, climbing on the stage, and making all sorts of ruckus. I remember asking her what her secret was, because here she is with 7, and I can hardly keep up with 1. She just sort of smiled and shrugged and said it gets easier as you have more.

Chris was a beautiful mom who raised beautiful kids who love the Lord. I am not going to lie, I had a mom crush on her. I want to mom the way she did. I am so sad that I'll not get to ask her mom questions or hear her deep wisdom. It's a selfish thought, I know.

I know I will continue to learn from her though, because her legacy goes on in her kids. I get to see the truths she planted into them that have already come out with a great measure of pressure that has already been placed on them.

Today the sun was dark all across America. It felt fitting that the whole country should grow dark and mourn with us during her funeral service. The creation groans for the sons (and daughters) of God to be revealed, and Chris was God's favorite.
Amy McQuiggan
August 21, 2017
August 21, 2017
Being around Chris was so easy. There was no drama, no misunderstanding, no complication, just honesty and acceptance. She had a quiet confidence and unwavering ability to accept each person while striving to understand them. People were important to her. She had the ability to listen, to really listen, to what you were saying and to help you feel that you were completely accepted. She was an extraordinary person and I am blessed to have known her. She was a true friend and one of the best people I have ever known.
Brenda Norton
August 21, 2017
August 21, 2017
I remember when Jordan and Elijah were born. I had never seen such cheeks. You just wanted to grab them and squeeze them. So cute and she was so proud of those boys. Every time I would go over to where she was at church or at a Women's Retreat, that is all we would talk about was how gorgeous those boys cheeks were. She was so laid back and loving to all that got to know her. She was a blessing. She is so missed.

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Recent Tributes
Dallas Dixon
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
I have never met you. And I don't know your family, your friends, or anything about you. But I recently heard your story and it broke my heart.
My heart and soul are out for your family and loved ones.
You are missed and loved by these people.
Amanda Fassler
November 1, 2018
November 1, 2018
Trying to put words to the love and memories of Chris I hold in my heart seems an impossible task; not one word in the English dictionary seems to suffice. Writing down the memories seems an inadequate representation of who Chris was and how she made me feel, and yet, sharing about her seems so right because her life had such an enormous impact on me and many others. She taught me so many things about life and she influenced the way I think and the way I do many tasks. I have a Flour Mill because of her; I made my own baby wipes because of her; I use essential oils because of her; I play with my children more and use electronics less because of her. There are countless ways she influenced my life, and affected the way I do things.
I first met Chris in high school. Chris and Joe and Matt and I represented 4 consecutive years of Faith Christian School's graduating classes. Joe was Class of 94, Chris was Class of 95, Matt was Class of 96, and I was Class of 97. We loved to reminisce about high school, especially sports and teachers. We teased Chris and Joe about a particular locker room rendezvous that happened back then, but I'll let Joe explain that! Chris and I really became close after high school when Joe was away at college. I honestly don't even remember why or how we began spending so much time together during college, but I'm forever grateful that we did.
After Joe and Chris got married and moved to St Louis, Matt and I made many visits there. We weren't even married yet when we started going to visit them. In those pre-child years we would spend a lot of time exploring the city, visiting museums and Union station, touring the brewery and the arch, and eating out. We also loved visiting over Labor Day weekend when their church there held a sand volleyball tournament. We had a lot of fun playing in that tournament!
As the children began arriving, we continued to enjoy time with them doing more things such as playing at the park, visiting the zoo, grilling out, and playing games. As the children got older, we spent a lot of time playing all sorts of games and sports with them. We loved meeting them at different parks for camping trips. Chris loved to let the kids have fun; I mean, not everyone has a trampoline in their living room, etc... Joe always wanted the guys to play basketball when our boys got old enough, but sometimes Chris and I could get them to play Novak v Fassler family volleyball.
Chris and I especially loved baking together. Once, before either of us were married, we did some Christmas baking. Chris always had new recipes she wanted to experiment with, and that year she wanted to try some candied orange peels. They turned out very bitter and we got a lot of laughs out of how terrible they were. We would get together often in the fall to do baking also. We'd make applesauce and pumpkin pie and pumpkin bars and apple dumplings. Sometimes it was like a science experiment trying to accommodate both families' allergies. Once we tried to make dairy free scalloped potatoes with tofu, and all of us spent many hours in the bathroom following that meal. That gave us many laughs also!
I remember one winter that I took my family to the water park resort near Chris and Joe's house. The day we were heading back home there was a snow storm. Chris called me and all but begged us to come stay with them instead of driving home in the snow. She scrounged up snow gear for everyone so that we could all go sledding and play in the snow. Then we had hot drinks and enjoyed the warmth of being inside together in the snow storm.
Chris and I had quite the reputation with our husbands for how we'd talk and talk and talk and talk. When we were younger we'd stay up until the wee hours of the morning just talking, but as we aged and became mothers we couldn't stay awake as late anymore. We could never get enough talking done!
I loved Chris so much! I'd send her texts just to say, "How's it going? I miss you! I just need a friend." And she'd do the same. Sometimes I'd just get to feeling a little lonely, and she was that long time comfort friend. She called me and I came to stay with her during one of her miscarriages just to comfort her and cheer her up and take care of her. I will always remember that. I remember her naming the first baby she lost when they were able to tell her it had been a boy. She loved her children so much, and each miscarriage was a very deep loss to her. She was an amazing mother, and to me she was an amazing friend.
One thing I greatly admired was the way she could start a conversation with anyone anywhere. If we were checking out at the grocery store or walking down the sidewalk, she'd think of a question to ask and have a little conversation with everyone. She was always learning from people, studying, listening, and putting things into action. I hope and pray that I can have the kind of impact on others that she had.
There are so many more things I want to say about her, and maybe some day I can share more. For now, I think this is a small glimpse of the amazing friend she was to me. I hope I was as good to her as she was to me. I will be forever changed because of knowing and loving her.
Emily Brensinger
November 1, 2018
November 1, 2018
I believe I met Chris at a piano recital of Bethany Hartlaub's, maybe 8 years ago. My two youngest children(Hope & Tony)were Bethany's students. Chris was always a joy to be around and she made me feel very welcome whenever I would be in her home. She truly is missed!!
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Gallery
Fassler/Novak Tie Dye fun -We had so much fun we started dying other things - like Joe's underwear
Matt and Amanda and Chris and Joe at the Fassler's wedding 7/1/00 (Chris was pregnant with Jordan)
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Recent stories
November 5, 2018
by Bethany Hartlaub

As so many have said, there are really not enough words to describe who your mom was and the impact she had on all of our lives. I have many sweet memories of your mom. Some of my favorites are: just being in her home every week, watching her be a mom, (I always thought she was such a fun mom and would often tell Anna “when i’m a mom, I want to be just like Chris because she is so fun and really enjoys her kids!”), chatting with her about any variety of topics (usually you guys!), her and your dad dancing together at the orchestra galas (they were so cute!), getting to go to St. Louis with her and falling in love with the city because she loved it so much, being with her when she picked out her dress for Alisha’s wedding...she was so excited and happy for her friend, when she tried to set me up (didn’t go so well, but she tried!) her gracious hospitality, her concern and care for others, her listening ear, the way she loved to make other people get out of their comfort zones and try new things, her laugh, the way she would bounce into a room, her prayers and encouragement in different seasons of my life, her love for the Lord an her desire to walk closely with Him.

November 1, 2018
by Anna Hartlaub

You mom was an amazing woman. I think the most beautiful thing about her was her hunger and thirst for God.  I loved being able to go to IHOP with her and see her love for prayer. After spending time with her it made me want to pray more and to know God better.  She loved life and experiencing new things. She loved to bring (or drag;) others along with her on her adventures. I remember going out to sushi for the first time with you guys and she ordered raw tuna and she gave me some with a bite of rice (to help mask the raw fish) and she teased me that that was the wimpy way to eat it and that next time I would have to eat it allll by itself. I loved watching her be a mom to you guys. She really took the time to enjoy life with each of you and she loved watching you grow. She was the kind of mom I wanted to be if I ever grew up and had kids. I feel so very blessed to have known your mom and every time I look in your sweet faces I see her in you.

November 1, 2018
by Kimberly Milligan

My husband Mark began tuning the Novak's piano years ago. Though we live in Wisconsin, our shared hometown of Dixon, IL brought an added connection between our families. Rather than just make a normal appointment, Christine welcomed our whole family to tag along while Mark tuned in the Lake Geneva area for the day. At the time, inviting our whole family meant inviting at least 7 additional kids. This invitation was really exciting to me because it was a taste of "home" - I had known Joe and Christine (before they were married) when they were students at Faith Christian School. Mr. John Novak was my Principal for Kindergarten through 3rd grade. I pulled out my yearbooks to find that when I was in third grade, Johnny Novak was in kindergarten, Joe was in 7th grade with my cousin Corrie Bowers, and Jana was an 8th grader. My mom, Mrs. Strub, taught Art with Mrs. Saunders. In 4th grade I began attending public school, but I loved my years at Faith and often found myself going to school at Faith with my best friend Erin (Bowers) on my days off. I also loved to cheer on friends at Faith's basketball and volleyball games. It was at these events that I first met Christine. Since she was a few years above me she was an upperclassman who probably didn't know that I held them all in such high esteem. I sooo looked up to these older, more mature students - we can laugh at this as adults, but this is how it felt to be younger in the presence of older kids and watch them. It's funny to look back and think on the little things that make such an impression. 

Fast forward more than a few years to the day we pulled into the Novak's driveway in our 15 passenger van . . . Our kiddos were so excited, but feeling a bit shy as they didn't know what to expect. Some of the Novak children greeted us in equal shyness as we entered the house. Then Christine welcomed us as if we had been long time friends rather than past acquaintances. I can picture her smiling brightly, giving introductions of names, directing Mark to the piano, leading our bunch to the kitchen, offering snacks and drinks, tidying up a few things on the counter, giving the children ideas to play together . . . such a beautiful gift of hospitality. I was in awe! In only moments I saw her love for Jesus reflected in her love for her family and children, in serving her guests, in keeping her home, in caring for animals . . . How I wish I were this kind of homemaker!  Eventually we wandered out of doors to visit the goats, see the garden, and watch the children play. We talked of old memories and common friends, about homeschooling and raising children, salt water pools, plants and landscaping, house projects, ideas for the future and current interests . . . It was a delightful time of fellowship that passed all too quickly. I can't remember if we stayed while Mark tuned for another customer that afternoon or if we really were there for only a bit more than an hour? How does one make such an impression in such a short time? I can play the memories back as if I'm watching a movie. Somehow Christine had this masterful ability to make us feel at home and feel like fast friends. A lovely gift from her Creator! :)

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