Stanley “Buck” Novinska

FENNIMORE - Stanley “Buck” Novinska, age 89, passed away peacefully on the morning of December 27, 2025. He was born on November 20, 1936, in Fennimore Township, Grant County, Wisconsin.

Buck graduated from Fennimore High School in May of 1956 and soon after enlisted in the United States Army in August 1956. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and served in the 126th Transportation Unit as a truck mechanic. In January 1957, his unit traveled by troop ship, the USS Upshur, to Karlsruhe, Germany. He was honorably discharged in August 1958.

Following his military service, Buck returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Neckvatal. Together, they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and community. Buck picked up canned milk for Bahl Cheese Factory and worked as a plumber for H&N. Most of his life was spent operating a dairy and hog farm in Fennimore.

A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Buck earned his private pilot’s license and became a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) in 1973. He delighted in sharing his love of flying with friends and family, often taking them for rides in his Cherokee Piper 180. He attended countless fly-in breakfasts and enjoyed “buzzing” over friends’ farms and homes.

After semi-retiring from farming in 1999, Buck devoted himself to woodworking. He found great joy in crafting furniture and small keepsakes, especially coin banks for his grandchildren and friends. Known for his generosity, Buck freely shared his time, skills, and talents with others.

Buck was deeply committed to his community. He served on the Fennimore Township Board for over 40 years as both Township Chairman and Township Supervisor. He also served as Treasurer of the Fennimore Rural Fire Board and was a proud member of the Fennimore American Legion. Buck was the oldest member of Polish Paradise, where he especially enjoyed spending time with family hunting, fishing, and playing cards.

Buck will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, love of flight, and deep devotion to his family and community.

Buck is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Mary (Neckvatal) Novinska; his children: Ted (Mary) Novinska of Fennimore, Lisa (Larry) Delbert of Mesa, Arizona, Teresa Novinska of Lake Zurich, Illinois, Tod (Barb) Novinska of Andover, Minnesota, and Ron (Lisa) Novinska of Oregon, Wisconsin; and six cherished grandchildren: Danielle and Jake Delbert, Aaron and Jared (fiancé Taylor) Novinska, and Blake and Jack Novinska.

He is also survived by his siblings: Thelma Washburn of Elkhorn, Wisconsin; Kenneth (Cindy) Novinska of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; Stephen “Tino” (Rita) Novinska of Fennimore; Alice Brown of Janesville, Wisconsin; LaVern Novinska of Pulaski, Wisconsin; and Irene Molzof of Rockford, Illinois. He is further survived by brothers-in-law Edward (Joann) Neckvatal of Mesa, Arizona; Jim (Darlene) Neckvatal of Spring Grove, Illinois; Tom (Sally) Neckvatal of Crossville, Tennessee; Mike (Sandy) Neckvatal of Sheridan, Wyoming; sister-in-law Kay Neckvatal of Union Grove, Wisconsin; and many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene & Erma, brother Bob (Kay) Novinska, brother Keith (Ann) Novinska, infant brother LeRoy Novinska, and Private Allen “Pete” Novinska: brothers-in-law John Brown and Gene Molzof, former sisters-in-law Tari Novinska and Trudy Rae and former brother-in-law Robert Washburn, father and mother-in-law Ed & Cecilia Neckvatal, Sister-in-law Betty (Cletus) Kroll, Robert Neckvatal, Nephew Gary Kroll.