Gary Mirko Novakovich

Gary Mirko Novakovich

Gary Mirko Novakovich passed away on April 26, 2023 surrounded by family. Gary was born in Monarch, Wyoming.  He was the youngest of twelve children. Gary joined the Navy on June 28^th, 1951 and proudly served our country. Gary was a truck driver and work for United Mine Workers. He truly enjoyed this occupation and those of us that knew him heard many stories about his long trips on the road. Gary found the love of his life, Helen in Craig Colorado and they married in 1994. Gary retired in June of 1997. After retirement the two of them decided to move to Delta Colorado where they enjoyed their retirement years.

Gary was a member of the Elks lodge and enjoyed his membership with AARP. Some of his favorite things to do were playing cards, playing latter ball, hunting, fishing, wood working, doing puzzles and shooting potato guns with his grandchildren. He took great pride in keeping a meticulous lawn. Gary was known for taking care of his neighbors often shoveling snow for them and keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood.  

Gary is preceded in death by his wife Helen Novakovich, his father Milan Novakovich, his mother Agnes Novakovich, his son Lonnie Novakovich; brothers, Daniel Novakovich, Norman Novakovich, Lance Novakovich, Lester Novakovich, Gordon Novakovich, Leslie Novakovich, and Phillip Novakovich. His sisters, Margaret Stokes, Phyllis Novakovich, and Lucille Mokry. Gary is survived by his sister Lucia Tomaszkiewicz of Chicago Illinois, daughter Denise (Dennis) Huddleston of Oklahoma, step daughter Lora (Scott) Kroman of Parker Colorado, and Deborah Barnes of Parker Colorado. He is also survived by grandchildren Nathan Wiggs, Elys (James) Torres, Audry (Collins) Moore, Abby (Ryan) Kellams, Seth (Kendyl) Wiggs, Joshua (Meaghan) Melonas, and Jordan (Lauren) Melonas, as well as, nine great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Monday May 22 at 10:00am at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that you donate a puzzle to your favorite library or senior center.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet Obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralservice.com