Memorial

Sally Novetzke passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, at the age of 93. She was born on January 12, 1932, in Stillwater, Minnesota to Melvin and Margorie Johnson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Novetzke, and her brother David (Mary) Johnson.

Sally is survived by her children: Sara (Wynn) Elliott, Elizabeth (former husband Corey) Johnsen, Richard (partner Dana Capouch, former spouse Dawn) Novetzke, Jr, and Andrew (Lisa Eagar) Novetzke. She was a devoted grandmother to Wynn Elliott, Jr., Sam (Morgan) Elliott, Corey, Jr. (Christine) Johnsen, Sally (Evan) Boehmer, Naomi Novetzke, Richard Novetzke III, Maxwell Novetzke, and Ezekiel Novetzke. She also cherished her eight great-grandchildren and two nephews.

Sally’s journey began with a childhood spent along the St. Croix River, where she developed an enduring love for the outdoors. She carried that spirit of adventure into her marriage to Richard, a Navy pilot, leading to a life full of excitement, including the birth of her first two children in Hawaii. Throughout her life, Sally embraced exploration, sailing with her husband and traveling the world.

She was a proud student at Carleton College and a dedicated public servant. Sally has worked with presidents, prime ministers, popes, queens, kings, and a host of diplomats from around the world. Her political career began in 1979 when she met George H.W. Bush during his campaign for Ronald Reagan in Iowa. Impressed by her capabilities, Bush appointed her as the Linn County chairwoman the following day. She chaired the Linn County Republican Party from 1979 to 1980 and was the first woman to run Iowa's Republican Party from 1982 to 1985, and the Iowa Federation of Republican Women from 1987 to 1989. She worked on many political campaigns, including as state co-chairwoman for George H. W.  Bush for President in 1988, the 1980 and 1984 Reagan/Bush campaigns, the 1980 Bush for President campaign, and Tom Tauke's congressional campaign.

Sally was also a delegate to the state, district, and county Republican conventions from 1974 to 1988 and the Republican National Convention in 1980. She was a member of the National Rules Committee and, in 1984, served as a delegate to the Republican National Committee and on the Permanent Organization Committee. She was a delegate-at-large to the 1988 Republican convention. After Bush's election as President in 1988, he nominated Sally to be the United States Ambassador to the island nation of Malta, a position she held from 1989 to 1993. During her tenure, she led the team that coordinated the Malta Summit between President Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The former press secretary for Bush, Peter Telly, in a 1989 telephone interview from Washington said this about Sally’s appointment:  "She's got what I call basically an American temperament ... a generosity of spirit, a good nature and a willingness to jump in and work like hell to make things better, and by 'things' I mean relations between the countries she represents and the U.S."  After her diplomatic services, Sally kept a close friendship with the Bush family. 

Sally also served as an appointed board member of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Hoover Presidential Foundation and the National Council on Vocational Education. Sally contributed to various organizations, including, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Mount Mercy University, Cedar Valley Humane Society, Four Oaks, Camp Courageous, and Garden Club of America. Her leadership and wisdom left a lasting impact on many institutions.

Later in life, Sally enjoyed winters in Florida, and summers in Utah with her grandchildren, enjoying the mountains, deserts, and swimming in Lake Powell. She was a kid at heart, embracing joy and adventure until the very end. Her kindness spanned generations, fostering friendships with people and dogs of all ages. She was often the life of the party, never taking herself too seriously, and her humor and warmth made her beloved by many. Sally's annual "Witches Night Out" parties were a highlight, where friends gathered in elaborate costumes to celebrate friendships.

Only a few of Sally’s close Carlton College friends remain.  Friends in Cedar Rapids, including Melanie Olson, Jane and Jeff Glantz, Jon and Dina Dusek, Sara Richardson, Suzanne Barnes and Barbara Bloomhall, who will undoubtedly miss her quick wit and infectious laughter. Susan Torbett, an employee and dear friend of over 45 years, was not only part of the family but also provided loving care for Sally in her later years, ensuring her well-being was as perfect as possible. The family also wishes to acknowledge Lenora Young, Ashley Clendenen and Robyn Janey, whose compassionate care and companionship brought Sally comfort in her final years along with the kind people of Grand Living and Oldorf Hospice House.

Above all her accomplishments, Sally’s greatest achievement was being a loving mother. She was a champion and cheerleader, always believing in her children and their friends, the best mom ever. She raised her children with love, patience, and forgiveness, instilling those values in them and shaping their character with her deep beliefs. Sally’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and boundless adventure. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will follow sometime in the early summer months. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the Cedar Valley Humane Society https://www.cvhumane.org/donate