Nova J. (Sprague) Reed of Balsam Lake, Wis., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 13th, 2021 at the age of 91 at the United Pioneer Home in Luck, Wis.  

Nova was born in Long Prairie, Minn., on February 4, 1930, to Elroyd and Hilda Sprague.

She graduated from Minnesota’s Faribault High School in 1948. Nova was a lifelong adventurer and enjoyed going to sunny places. While living in Miami, Fla., she met Grady Reed and they were later married in 1961 in Reno, Nev., and made their residence in Redwood City, Calif., until 1966. While living in California, they had two daughters, Laura and Carolyn.;

In 1966 they moved to Balsam Lake, Wis., and purchased Lakeview Park from Nova’s parents. Grady passed away in 1978 and Nova continued to run the business until 1999. As soon as she was able, she enjoyed her winters in milder climates, either Florida or Arizona. Nova loved Balsam Lake and the wonderful people of this town, as well as all of the families that came to Balsam Lake to enjoy their summers generation after generation. She often met long time customers, their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren over the years. She had a passion for learning all kinds of things, she loved her garden, and travelling and went on many trips with different family members and friends throughout the years. Those who knew Nova, knew she had a very dry sense of humor that could really catch you off guard, but also had a generous, kind, and loving spirit.

Nova is preceded in death by her husband, Grady. She is remembered with love by daughters, Laura (Steve) Williams and Carolyn (Scott) Vadnais; her grandchildren, Josh (Britt) Williams, Cory (Tracy) Williams, Erin (Tyler) Wirth, Alanna Vadnais, Jack Vadnais, Sam Vadnais; as well great-grandchildren, Addison, Jet, Etta, Eleanor and Croix.

The family would like to thank the staff of River Bend Assisted Living in Amery, Wis., and the staff at the United Pioneer Home in Luck, Wis., for the care they provided over the past seven years.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, 1606 165th Avenue, Centuria, WI 54824, on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, with visitation at 10:00 a m. and funeral service at 11:00 am. Luncheon to follow and burial will be at the Balsam Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, United Pioneer Home in Luck, Wis., or the Alzheimer's Association

Last Update: Jun 20, 2021 3:04 pm CDT