Novotny, Harold L.

Harold L. Novotny, 84, of Walker, died Tuesday, June 15, 2010. Graveside services: 10 a.m. Saturday, June 19, at Walker Cemetery, with military honors. Family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Walker.

Survivors include his wife, Helen, of 58 years; son, Terry L. Novotny and wife Ann of Walker; grandchildren, PFC Andrew M. Novotny, Ryan M. Novotny and Kristin M. Novotny, who shared her grandpa's birthday; brothers, Kenneth and Donald; and a sister, Betty Zitek. Harold was very proud of his family.

He was preceded in death by son, Richard “Rick” Lee Novotny; granddaughter, Lynne Ann Novotny; and a brother, Gene.

Harold was born June 3, 1926, the son of Joseph J. and Emma Novotny, near Shueyville, Iowa. He was a graduate of Shueyville High School. Harold was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Lexington, CV-16 as a shipfitter 3rd class in the Western Pacific Theater 1944-1946. The Lexington was the first large carrier to enter Tokyo Bay for the signing of the peace treaty with Japan. Harold is listed as a charter member in the Registry of Remembrances of the National World War II Memorial, Washington, D.C. He was a member of the American Legion.

On Aug. 4, 1951, Harold and Helen were married. They began farming near Shueyville, later moving to a farm near Coggon. In 1955, they purchased her uncle's farm near Walker, where he and Helen reside. Harold enjoyed having a well-kept farmstead and took pride in his crops and his cannas, which he had planted for over 50 years. “A man can't do much better than to leave his piece of land better than he found it.”

A special thanks to Willow Gardens for the excellent care they gave Harold.

Please sign the online guest book for Harold at under obituaries.