Fr. Rudolph Novecosky, OSB
October 27, 1936 – October 9, 2017

Fr. Rudolph Novecosky, OSB, of St. Peter’s Abbey, Muenster, SK, passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, on Monday, October 9, 2017.  He was 80 years of age. Fr. Rudolph was born to Joseph and Anne (nee Suchan) Novecosky at Burr, SK, on October 27, 1936. He attended Willow Ridge School to Grade 9 and then St. Peter's High School from Grades 10 to 12. Upon graduating, he took one year of liberal arts at St. Peter's College, Muenster, and in 1955 joined St. Peter's Abbey.   Fr. Rudolph spent the next seven years at St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he completed his novitiate and six years of seminary.  Following ordination on June 9, 1962, Fr. Rudolph was appointed assistant pastor with Fr. John Hable at Marysburg, and Pilger. He was appointed prefect (supervisor) of St. Peter's High School and College from 1963 until 1972 when the high school closed. Fr. Rudolph worked as a high school teacher, giving instruction in geometry, algebra, trigonometry, Latin, agriculture, geology and appreciation of English literature. Having a love for sports, Fr. Rudolph served as sports director at St. Peter's High School where he coached hockey, volleyball, basketball and track and field. He built the track used for track and field meets, the soccer field and the bleachers, east of the arena, in 1967 as part of the centennial project.  In 1972, Fr. Rudolph began assisting Fr. Werner Renneberg, OSB, in the parishes at St. Gregor and Muenster.   In 1979, he was appointed pastor in St. Gregor and then in 1987 he began serving Annaheim.  He was always supportive of church and community events. While serving as pastor he developed an expertise in wine making.  Fr. Rudolph served as prior and sub-prior at St. Peter's Abbey, novice master and work coordinator for the novices and juniors. Between 1987 and 2008, he was the pastor for the two parishes at either Annaheim and St. Gregor, or Annaheim and Naicam, retiring in 2008 to St. Peter's Abbey. In 2008, he published Homilies for Everyday Life. Since moving to the abbey Fr. Rudolph served as prior, novice master/formation director and treasurer of St. Peter's Abbey. He was the Oblate director for one year.  Having a love for the outdoors, Fr. Rudolph enjoyed berry picking, bird watching, duck hunting and fishing. He suffered a life-changing incident on November 3, 1977, when he was injured in the back with a shotgun while hunting ducks. As a result he spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair.  He returned to parish work a year after leaving the hospital.  Fr. Rudolph is survived by the Benedictine Monastic Community of St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster; three sisters and two brothers: Johanna Merkosky, Dave (Doreen) Novecosky, Mary Ann (Daniel) Gerwing, Sr. Rita Ann Novecosky, OSU, Joe (Trish) Novecosky; and by his sister-in-law, Faye Novecosky.  He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Novecosky (1984); mother, Anne (nee Suchan) Novecosky (1994); brother, Tony Novecosky; and by brother-in-law, Leo Merkosky.  The Prayer Service was held at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Muenster, on Thursday, October 12, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., officiated by Fr. Lawrence DeMong, OSB.  Scripture readers were Br. Kurt Van Kuren, OSB, and Debbie Klev.  The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine R.C. Church, Humboldt, on Friday, October 13, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., presided by Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB.  Others taking part were:  Br. Anthony Nguyen, OSB, crossbearer; Br. Basil Schaan, OSB, and Joe Novecosky, scripture readers; Br. Benedict van Ginkel, OSB, prayer of petition; Dave and Doreen Novecosky, and Johanna Merkosky, giftbearers.  Pallbearers were Br. Kurt Van Kuren, OSB, Br. Benedict van Ginkel, OSB, Dennis Merkosky, Tom Novecosky, Mitchell Ramler, and Randy Doepker.  Interment followed at St. Peter’s Abbey Cemetery, Muenster.  Memorial donations may be directed to the Abbey Elder Care.

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)