Kathleen “Kata” Marie Novak, a cherished member of the Minneapolis community and a prominent figure in the world of dance education, passed away peacefully at her home on October 15, 2023, at the age of 92. Surrounded by family, her legacy of kindness, generosity, and commitment to helping others will be remembered by many.
Born in North Dakota, Kata opened the Kay School of Dance in Grand Forks during the 1950s. In 1961, she played a pivotal role in establishing the North Dakota Ballet Company, providing a space for auditions, rehearsals, and classes at her school. This initiative greatly contributed to the growth of the local arts community and inspired countless young dancers.
In 1966, Kata relocated to Minneapolis, where she founded the Kata Novak Festival Dancers. Over two decades, this dance company featured an average of a dozen performers and showcased their talents in various venues, from schools and libraries to nursing homes and larger concert halls. Their performances brought joy to many and made the art of dance accessible to diverse audiences.
Beyond her contributions to dance, Kata was a dedicated member of the Church of the Incarnation. Alongside her husband of 69 years, Richard Novak, she actively participated in church activities, including organizing bazaars, serving meals, and creating peanut brittle to support the church’s food shelf. Her commitment to community service reflected her belief in giving back and making a difference in the lives of others.
Kata is survived by her husband, Richard; their sons, Matthew (Nadine), Jeffrey (Dana), and Shawn (Kimberly); as well as their grandchildren: Emily, Jordyn, Sadie, Jackson, Madeleine, and Andrea. She also leaves behind her siblings, Mary Westerlund, Angela Rottering (Quintin), and William Vasicek (Laurie).
A Funeral Mass will be held on November 9, 2023, during the 9:00 AM service at the Church of the Incarnation, located at 3801 Pleasant Avenue, Minneapolis. Following the Mass, a reception will take place in the church’s community hall. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the church’s website at www.incarnationmpls.org.
Kata Novak’s contributions to both the arts and her community will leave a lasting impact, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
