Novotny, Stanley Vitus

Stanley Vitus Novotny, 83, of rural Clutier, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, following complications from a stroke. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, Feb. 8, at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Clutier, with burial at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the church, where the rosary will be recited at 2 p.m. and a Scripture service will be held at 5 p.m.

He was born April 27, 1926, on the family farm near Clutier, the son of Vitus Louis and Tena Pauline Novotny. He received his education at a country school in Carroll Township and then began farming with his father at the age of 13. On June 27, 1950, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Haack at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Clutier.

Music was a huge part of Stanley's life. He played drums for several local bands and played Taps on his bugle for many years for American Legion Post 453 Hora-Mahacek of Clutier. Stanley also looked forward to going to church and led the Corpus Christi procession for over 50 years. He had a love for animals which included his horses, dogs and Black Angus purebred bulls. He enjoyed dancing, family vacations in the Ozarks, reading and getting the mail everyday. He had a special place for his family and his eyes would light up when he saw his grandchildren.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Gladys Babor.

He is survived by his wife, Norma; one son, Robert (Karen) Novotny of Bellevue, Wash.; four daughters, Suzanne (Clair) Svoboda of Clutier, Beverley (Warren) Colvin of Dysart, Cheryl Novotny Gibney of Cedar Rapids and Shellee (Lance) Bailey of Woodward; 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

 Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be left at the Web site,

Overton Family Funeral Homes, Traer, is assisting the family.