Henry Novotny

Henry Chester Novotny Jr. was born on January 31, 1920 in Judson, ND on the family farm, the son of Henry and Josephine (Toman) Novotny. He attended country school in Grant County, ND. After his schooling he helped on the farm and helped as a mechanic at a Chevrolet dealer. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941 and served his country for 2 1/2 years and was stationed stateside in Tacoma, WA at Fort Louis. Henry was baptized and confirmed in Tacoma, WA in 1948. On October 29, 1949 Henry was united in marriage to Mildred Johnson in Clarissa. The couple made their home in Bismark where he worked at the Chevrolet dealer as the service manager. They moved to Jamestown in 1958, to Renville in 1963 and ended up in Alexandria working at Steinbring?s where he worked as service manager for 35 years throughout his career and moved into sales for the last few years before retirement. Henry was a member of the Elks, Eagles and American Legion. He was past president of the Service Manager Association for Chevrolet. He was a people person who loved to talk to anyone. He loved to play cards, especially, whist, pitch, and smeer. He enjoyed golfing, the Minnesota Twins, working in the vegetable garden, cooking and baking, and cars. Most of all he loved his family, going to his son?s games, and most recently watching his grandchildren?s games. Henry died on December 25, 2009 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud at the age of 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mildred; son, Larry (Deanne) Novotny of Alexandria; grandchildren, Brynn and Toby Novotny; brother, Ed (Mary) Novotny of Alexandria; sisters, Adel Raycroft of Minnepolis and Josephine (Martin) Wright of Mandan, ND; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Josephine; and nephews, Edward Novotny Jr., Wayne Novotny, Mark Novotny, and Todd Wright. A funeral service was held on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Sherry Billberg officiating. Music was provided by organist, Randy Morken and soloist, Carmen Silbernick. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Robb Steinbring, Jon Steinbring, Elroy Beliveau, Poik Weatherwax, Jim Norton, and Mike Marxen. Honorary casket bearers were all of Henry?s Nieces and Nephews. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.