James Novotny

James D. “Jim” Novotny, age 77 of Faribault, MN passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at the District One Hospital in Faribault following an extended illness.

James Donald, the son of George and Margaret (Molloy) Novotny, was born on November 23, 1943 in Faribault, MN. Jim graduated with the Class of 1962 from Bethlehem Academy High School. Following graduation, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Vietnam. When he returned to the United States, he met the love of his life, Linda Wobbrock, and they were united in marriage on July 18, 1970 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Jim worked as an Operator at the Faribault Waste Water Treatment Plant for 35 years. Jim was a member of the American Legion Post 43, VFW Post 1562, and Moose Lodge 2098, all of Faribault. While he wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, softball, golfing, bowling, puzzles and spending time with his family.

James is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; children, Stacy (Ryan Zensen) Murphy, Sam (Amanda) Novotny, and Chuck (Molly) Novotny; grandchildren, Bailey and Cailyn Murphy, Colby, Nash, Leyton, Jordyn, and April Novotny; siblings, Robert (Cherie) Novotny and Kathy (Jim) Walsh; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Patricia Novotny and Mary Van Ryn; brother, Tom Novotny; granddaughter, Lila Novotny; and other relatives.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault with Bernadette Tatge, Pastoral Minister at Divine Mercy Catholic Church officiating. Interment will be held at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault with Military Honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association. The service will also be live-streamed through a link found on Jim’s obituary page at www.parkerkohlfuneralhome.com.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.