In loving memory of

William Novotny
January 26, 1945 - March 10, 2014

William J Novotny, of Deerbrook, died Monday, March 10, 2014 at his home. He was 69 years old. He was born on January 26, 1945 in Neva, a son of Frank and Antonia (Bernasek) Novotny. He married Terry Drew on September 21, 1968 at St. John Catholic Church, in Bloomville. She survives.

He was raised in Neva and graduated from Antigo High School with the class of 1963. After several years working in a tire shop in Racine he was drafted into the United States Army. He served from 1965-1967 having been stationed in the Dominican Republic and Ft. Stewart, Georgia.

Mr. Novotny lived in Gleason for ten years and worked as a mechanic in Antigo and Merrill. He worked as a carpenter for many years, most recently for McNeil-West Construction having retired in 2013.

He was a member of St. Wencel Catholic Church in Neva where he served as sexton of the church cemetery and for the town of Neva cemeteries. He also served the township as treasurer for many years.

He coached the Deerbrook baseball Little League team for many years, was a volunteer for Neva Days and enjoyed restoring the Old Neva School and was member of the Northwoods Tractor club

His hobbies included restoring a 1961 Dodge Dart, golfing with family and friends, yearly ski trips to upper Michigan, hunting and fishing. He generously shared his time with his children and grandchildren as they were his pride and joy.

Survivors including his wife are two daughters Tracie (John) Olson, York, Penn, Melissa (Peter) Schlegel, Gleason; two sons Neil Novotny, Weston, Keith (Kathryn) Novotny, Durham, North Carolina; eight grandchildren Peyton Novotny, Andi, Benjamin and Jared Olson, Gabrielle, Will, Allison and Anna Schlegel; three step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren;

two sisters Elizabeth (Herbert) Bork, Columbus, Ohio, Mary Kasperski, Berwyn, Illinois; two sisters-in-law Rita (David) Nicholson, Deerbrook, Jacquelene (Kenneth) Shaurette, Chetek; a brother-in-law Randy Drew, Las Vegas, Nevada; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Thomas Novotny and a brother-in-law, Richard Kasperski.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Wencel Catholic Church with Rev Alvan Amadi officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 3:30 - 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9 - 10:15 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. A parish wake service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday also at the funeral home.

Tributes

Rod & Char Ostrowski wrote on Mar 25, 2014:

"Terry and family our sincere condolences and sympathy to your family. I worked with Bill for many years and coached against him in Youth Baseball. A true friend, hard worker and great sense of humor. I know your family will truly miss Bill he was one of the really good guys."

Butch Dorn wrote on Mar 25, 2014:

"Terry, were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Your family was always there for mine. Take care and always remember the great family memories. The Butch Dorn family."

The Gray Family wrote on Mar 16, 2014:

"My family has known Bill since we were kids living in Neva Corners. We all liked and respected him so much. He was a great guy and he will be missed. Our hearts go out to his family "

Ken & Ann Zemanek wrote on Mar 13, 2014:

"Terry and family, Ann and I were saddened to hear about Bill. Our condolences. Bill was one of the truly good people I have known. I first meet Bill when were on the Neva Jr baseball team. There were only two of us from Little Chicago School. Bill was the first one to welcome us and make us comfortable. Just the kind of person he was."

Jerry Vacha wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"my deepest to sympathy too bills family, rest in peace bill,"

Rob, Heather Arden & Sophia Schlegel wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"Dearest WI Family, We will now cherish the last moments we spent with Bill and Terry in January. Bill and Rob sharing time together in the stands cheering on the kids and as always enjoying their company shall be our freshest memories. Our hearts ache with you and we are here for you now and in the days, weeks and months to come. Isaiah 41:10 - God Will Strengthen YOU! "

Paul Wirth wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"We are very sorry for your loss, it was a privilege to be able to know Bill, the times I got to work with and learn from him will always be a good memory in my life."

Kathleen Resch wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"Terry & Family,Where does someone start to explain Bill, a loving husband, father, GRANDFATHER, oh yes, a truly loving Grandfather he was, those kids meant the WORLD to him, he had a huge heart, hard worker, funny! He had so many talents, he will be missed! I remember Bill and Terry walking to church with the grandkids or bike riding with them. He was Proud to take Terry for rides in their late model car. Our Prayers & thoughts are with the family. Your neighbors, Jody, Kathleen, Brooke & Brittany. "

Jeanne Koss wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"Oh No! I just saw him in church the last time I was home. What a lovely man. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family."

Employees of Graphic House, Inc. wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"We are all very sorry for your loss, Neil. From all of your friends and co-workers at Graphic House. "

Carrie McKellips wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"Terry and Missy, I love you guys so much and words can't describe how terrible I feel for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man. As I sit here and Cry, as I type this, I can't help but remember all the times we got to share over the past 22 years. The one that sticks out in my head the most is of course Thanksgiving. Who could forget that day when Missy and I thought you dropped a pan of cookies only to find out a bullet went through the house. Man When Bill got Home he was not happy! But he took care of it like he did so many things. I wish so badly that I could be there. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and I love you both very very much. Terry, you and Bill always made me feel like one of your own and I love you both very much for that!!! Skeeter, Neil and Tracy I love you guys too. Take care of your Mom I'm worried about her. Give your dad a kiss from me. I love you all. Hugs and Kisses from Oklahoma. "

Heather Vang (Strandell) wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"Prayers and Thoughts to the Novotny Family."

Ramona Stonecipher wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"The Stoneciphers send our prayers and condolences. Tracie and John Olson, and their children are our neighbors in PA. We feel so blessed to know them and call them our friends. We are very sorry for your loss. Jody, Ramona, Emery, Ashley, Libby Stonecipher"

Jon Zalewski wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"My sympathy's and prayers are with Terry and Bill's family. I was fortunate to work with Bill on several building projects thru the years and will miss him. "

Claudia wrote on Mar 12, 2014:

"Prayers to Terry and family. Bill will be truly missed. Frank and Claudia "

Deb Wirth wrote on Mar 11, 2014:

"My sympathy's to Terry and all of the family. I worked with Bill 20 years ago, he was always like the big brother I did not have. I learned so many wonderful life lessons from him. I remember classical music was his stress relief, always a kind and caring work when needed, and a loving and caring heart. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Deb Wirth"

Lori Vollmer and Family wrote on Mar 11, 2014:

"I've always known Bill to be an easy person to talk to, hard working and precise. Super nice guy and going to be missed by many. I'm glad I got to know Bill. Sorry for your loss! "

Mark and Denise Wenz & Family wrote on Mar 11, 2014:

"Terry and Family, we are deeply saddened to hear the news about Bill. He was a very special guy. We treasure the times we've spent with him and your family. Fondest memmories playing kickball and golf. He will be truely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you "

Roger & Betty Schultz wrote on Mar 11, 2014:

"Our sincere sympathy goes out to Bill's family. He was a wonderful person that we enjoyed talking to at get-togethers. God be with you."