Novotny, Kenneth J.

Kenneth J. Novotny, 82, of Marion, passed away Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, at Bickford Cottage in Marion. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Jay Miller. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids. Burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Due to recent construction, it is required that visitors to Cedar Memorial enter making a right turn from westbound First Avenue (heading toward downtown).

Kenneth J. Novotny was born Oct. 25, 1928, in rural Johnson County, the son of Joseph and Emma (Potter) Novotny. He graduated from Shueyville High School in 1948. Private Kenneth Novotny entered the military service with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, and 1st Cavalry Division. He was wounded in action on Oct. 4, 1951, near Hyonjo, Korea. He was a veteran of the Korean War and a member of American Legion Post 298 for 43 years. Kenneth was a longtime Marion area farmer and took pride in his farm. His life's passion was farming and he retired in 2010 from his passion.

Kenneth is survived by his brother, Donald (Delores) of Marion; sister, Betty Zitek of Cedar Rapids; sisters-in-law, Lucille Novotny of Marion and Helen Novotny of Walker; three nephews, Rodney (Linda), Russell (Betty) Zitek and Terry (Ann) Novotny; a niece, Karen Bonser; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Robert E. and Harold.

Kenneth was a member of First United Methodist Church of Marion.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the employees of Bickford Cottage, Marion, and to Iowa Hospice for the wonderful care given to Kenneth during his stay and through his illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory on the Webpage,  under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette on Sept. 19, 2011