Obituaries 8-18-2016

June Eleanor Novak
June Eleanor Novak died on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016. She was born on Oct. 25, 1929 to Nora and Walter Mueller in Forestville, Wisconsin. She is preceded in death by her husband John, parents Nora and Walter Mueller, Sister Dorothy Holub and husband Roland, brother Delbert and wife Dorleen Mueller.
June was born and raised in Forestville, Wisconsin. She lost her father at age 4. Her mother continued to raise the four children on the farm with the help of hired hands. June completed Normal School and became a teacher. She met her future husband, John through her brother Delbert. Together they raised six children, five boys and one girl. The whole family’s name began with the letter “J.” The family logo would become “JN.”
June continued as a teacher working with young children. Her finger puppets and silly poems and songs still linger on, like “Wake you sleepy heads, get up, get out of bed.” As life continued, she and family moved out west to Cloverdale. In life’s transition, June worked as a waitress at Dan’s Owl Café, The Grapevine and eventually began her work with senior citizens along with husband John, at King’s Valley Senior Apartments working as the first managers there. Together they managed the apartments in Cloverdale for the next eight years.
According to the family, June and John both had a heart for Christ and mission outreach, taking on positions at Mt. Olive Lutheran School in Richmond, where they both taught and John was principal. After John’s illness and passing, June moved back to Cloverdale. She worked once again with seniors and the Council on Aging, directing the day program in both Healdsburg and Windsor. She touched many lives through the years with her service. June was also very involved in the local senior center and held various positions on the board, including president. She was proud to take part in the opening of the senior multipurpose center in Cloverdale.
Her family said that June had a great love for the Lord and was involved in serving Grace Lutheran Church throughout the years as Sunday school teacher, Altar Guild, LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) and volunteering wherever an extra hand was needed. Her family said her deep faith in the Lord was evident to all by living by example.
An avid sports nut, June was a big SF Giants fan. She always had a game on the TV and supported her local teams by watching her children and grandchildren play when she was able. She had a great laugh that all could recognize. Even her in last days she had a game going on.
June leaves behind many who love her, especially her children; John (Kelly), James (Jeanne Rochester), Joel, Julie Davis (Reed), Jan (MJ) and Jerry (Julie). June also leaves behind her grandchildren, including Mark, Daniel, Jacque (Jesse), James (Mariam), Stan (Lacey), Amanda (Brandon), John, Ben, Luke, Abigail, Annabelle, Joshua, Jacob, Dylan, Kaitlin and David; great-grandchildren Ginger, Griffin, Jaxon, Cash, Presley and many other adopted grandchildren in Cloverdale that simply knew her as “Grandma June.” She touched many nieces and nephews through the years that loved her and were cherished by her in special ways. A memorial and celebration of her life will be on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church of Cloverdale. Fellowship and refreshments to follow, potluck style as she would love.
June’s family said that “Her absence will leave a big hole in our lives but one that will always be filled with her love for Christ and His message of hope to others. What a privilege and honor to have had such an angel on earth to bless our lives. We miss you, but rejoice knowing that we will once again be together in heaven.” We leave you with a few of Mom’s favorite sayings that always made us smile, “O Momma,” “I can do that,” “This too will pass” and “Whoop de do!”
Jesse Bob Shannon
Jesse Bob Shannon, 83, died peacefully on Aug. 8, with his family by his side. A long time resident of Sonoma County, he is survived by his wife of over 50 years Mildred Shannon, sons and their wives Robert and Carol Shannon, Kenneth and Dee Shannon, Stanley and Barbara Edmunson, Steven and Esther Edmunson, his brother Norvin Shannon and sisters Lenore Matthews and Lanell Cook, nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service to honor his life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Windsor, 10285 Starr Road, Windsor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Jesse to the local Alzheimer’s Association, 1211 North Dutton Avenue, Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.