Charles "Charlie" J. Novosad

Charles “Charlie” Jerome Novosad, 62, of Arlington, MN died unexpectedly on Monday, December 23, 2024 as a result of a truck accident in Iowa. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington at 1 P.M. Visitation will be that morning at the church from 11-1. Interment will be at a later date in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Arlington, MN. Luncheon to follow immediately after the service in the church social hall.

Charlie was born on December 28, 1961 in Gaylord, MN to William Charles and Irene Mina (Stradtmann) Novosad. He was the youngest of 7 siblings. Charlie was baptized and later confirmed in his faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord.

On September 25, 1982 he was united in marriage to LeaAnn Hafemann at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, MN. This wedding date and place became a statement, and both of his children were also joined in marriage to their spouse on the same date of September 25, and in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Charlie and LeaAnn were blessed with 42 years of marriage and had two children, Jennifer Lea and Joshua Charles.

Charlie was a husband, father, brother, and friend who had so many trades and talents which he put to use. Throughout his work career he spent time trucking, owning his own businesses, welding, carpentry, and fixing about any type of machinery. He had so many hobbies because he was an avid learner, always fixing something, and researching how to design and build his ideas. This was a trait that he most enjoyed passing on to his children and grandchildren, as he was such a learner – he also became the greatest teacher. Joshua spent the majority of his work life working alongside his dad at “the shop” and followed him into the trucking industry as well. Charlie spent time challenging his grandchildren to put projects together and always taught them how to use the “real tools” which is always a highlight for them at Grandma and Papa’s house.  Charlie was a reader and old movie buff – and Jennifer will miss having all of the random movie requests and film trivia messages sent to her phone.

Charlie taught compassion for animals and he loved watching all the birds at the bird feeders and hanging out at home with his rescue cats. If he came across any wounded animal – it would be known that he would pick it up and get it to where it could be taken in for care. Above all, this man will be remembered by those close to him as being generous. He was often found helping out a friend, spoiling his family, and always buying just one more gift because he thought it was a “excellent choice.” For his wife LeaAnn, he always had the goal to go just over the top – with one more bouquet of flowers, one more plant for the garden. As long as his gift was just one step more extravagant then it needed to be -  that was the gift giving level where he liked it to be.

Charlie was immensely proud of his children and their families, and never hesitated to tell them so. He loved his family with his whole heart, and we will all miss him more than we could ever put into this obituary.

Charlie is survived by his wife who he loved dearly, LeaAnn.

He is also survived by his children: Jennifer (Brandon) Meyer, and Joshua (Brandi) Novosad; and grandchildren: Archer and Wilder Meyer, Maci and William Novosad; and Charlie’s brother and sisters: Karen (H. John) Meyer, Vicki (Gary) Olson, William (Miriam) Novosad, Bonnie (Robert) Flom, Brenda (Wilbert) Pautsch, and Diane (James) Rodgers; nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who he loved like family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Irene Novosad; parents-in-law Lorenz and Marietta Hafemann; and nephew Matthew Flom.