Ginny K. Novell

   Ginny Kay (Aufenkamp) Novell was born August 2, 1954, in Vienna, Austria. She was the first of four children born to Dell and Burtis (Kennedy) Aufenkamp.

Ginny started her schooling at Hutton rural school near Nemaha, Nebraska.  She then attended grades 4 and 5 in Nemaha Public Schools before transferring to Auburn Public Schools in Auburn, Nebraska when her family moved to Auburn.  Ginny graduated from Auburn High School in 1972 as the Salutatorian of her class.

   After graduation Ginny attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney and received a 2-year business degree.  After working at First Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, Nebraska for a year she enrolled at Peru State College, earned a degree in Business Administration, and met her future husband, Del Novell.  Ginny put her new degree to use at the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn.

   On June 16, 1979, Ginny was united in marriage to Delwinn Novell at Coryell Park near Auburn.  They made their home in Auburn and would be blessed with two sons, Adam and Jason.

   Ginny returned to Peru State and received a Masters degree in teaching and graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors.  She first taught in Douglas, Nebraska and then accepted a position in Rock Port, Missouri, where she served as sponsor of FBLA.  After she and Del moved to Holbrook, Arizona, Ginny taught there for 14 years, where she served as sponsor of FBLA and the Robotics Club, before retiring after a total of 33 years in teaching.

   Ginny was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn and Peace Lutheran Church in Holbrook, as well as Alpha Omega Pi sorority and Young University Women.  She held a National Board Teaching Certificate (one in less than 3000 teachers nationwide) and was twice named to Who’s Who of American Teachers.  Ginny enjoyed camping and boating (waterskiing), but mostly loved spending time with her grandkids, who knew her as Nana.

   After retiring in Holbrook, the Novells moved back to Nebraska, making their home in Johnson.  It was there, surrounded by family, Ginny passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 69 years, 2 months, and 14 days.  She was preceded in death by her mother Burtis.

  Ginny is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband Del; sons and daughters-in-law Adam and Megan of Lincoln, Jason and Andrea of Hickman; grandchildren Owen, Kyler, Nina, and Nicklynn; father Dell Aufenkamp of Auburn; sisters Joy (Rick) Redden of Kearney, Karen Sue (Tim) McCutcheon of Casper, WY; brother Arlin (Diane) Aufenkamp of Brownville; brother-in-law Orville Novell of Lincoln; sister-in-law Yvonne (Bob) Shanahan of Billings, MT; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 21, 10:00 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn.  Burial of ashes will be held at a later date in Nemaha Cemetery at Nemaha.  Visitation will be Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 5:00 to 7:00.   

Memorials are suggested to family choice for later designation.