Frank Novotny

Frank William Novotny, 91, of Miller, died on Friday, March 18 at the Good Samaritan Center of Miller. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 21 at the First Presbyterian Church in Miller with Rev. Brian Jones officiating. Inurnment will be at the Ree Heights Cemetery at a later date.

Frank was born at home in Como Township, Hand County on December 18, 1919, the eighth of nine children born to Otto and Emma (Chudoba) Novotny. Otto and Emma had both immigrated to America from Kutna Hora, Czechoslovakia (then Bohemia) in the 1880s. They met and married in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area where they farmed and started their family. The promise of homesteading a larger farm prompted their move to Ree Heights, SD in early 1919.

Frank and his brother Edward worked as hired ranch hands for the Fawcett brothers in the late 30s until WWII when he enlisted in the Army. He was sent to Fort Ord in California, Scofield Barracks in Hawaii, and finally to England, France, and Germany where he served with the 864th Ordinance. During his time away he corresponded with the ranchers daughter. He was discharged in the fall of 1945, returned to South Dakota and soon became engaged. He married Thelma Johanna Fawcett on May 19, 1946, they were only the third couple to be married in the small country Cedar Congregational Church, the first being Thelmas parents, George and Johanna (Hasart) Fawcett.

Thelmas parents gifted the newlyweds the Braden ranch, just one mile from where Thelma grew up, and there they began their life together. His disposition was good for country life; he would whittle & whistle while the cows milked. It was an idyllic setting to raise a family.

While Frank was primarily a rancher/farmer, he also had a passion for carpentry. In 1970 he designed and built his family a new home, pounding most of the nails himself-all the while whistling while he worked. He lost part of a finger to a saw which resulted in a stub that he delighted in showing to children.

He retired in 1980 but they continued to live on the farm until 1992, and then moved to Miller. After retirement Frank built many decks & sheds and kept busy with other odd carpentry jobs until well into his 80s. He was a consummate tinkerer and liked to keep busy.

He was a member & Trustee of the Cedar UCC Church until its closing in 1978, then joined the First Presbyterian Church, Miller, where he also served as a Trustee.

He will be remembered as a hard-working and gentle person, a humble man of relatively few words. He had a twinkle in his bright blue eyes and was friendly, kind and patient. He loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He lived a full and happy life. Blessed is his memory.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Thelma (Fawcett) Novotny, of Miller; children Michael (Karen) Novotny, Rosholt; Julie and Jane Novotny, Sioux Falls; Joseph (Carrie) Novotny, Omaha; grandchildren Charissa Novotny, Omaha; Amber (Brady) Wichmann, Brookings; Eric (Amanda) Novotny, Brookings; Jill Novotny, Sioux Falls; Sam Moritz, Omaha; great grandson Cade Wichmann, Brookings; and many other extended family members and friends.

Son Robert Steven preceded him in death, dying in 1959 at the age of 9 from cancer.

Also preceding him in death were his parents and 8 siblings: Hattie Curtis Bezner, Robert Novotny, Rose Marsh, Millie Auen, Caroline Hansel, Edward Novotny, Edith Dvorak, and Emma Novotny.

Memorials may be directed to your favorite charity or the First Presbyterian Church, Miller, South Dakota.