Obituaries : Richard Paul Novotny

Richard Paul Novotny, 84, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away Aug. 6, 2023, at Rose Haven Nursing Home, Marengo, Iowa.

Dick was born Oct. 1, 1938, to Otto and Lottie (Bartacheck) Novotny.

As a young adult, Dick joined the U.S. Army, where he was awarded for his many outstanding accomplishments. In 1965 he married Mary Schmidt; and were blessed with two children, Dawn and Paul. The couple eventually divorced. Later, Dick began dating his partner, Patsy Musel.

Dick was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Belle Plaine and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus in his younger years.

Dick enjoyed working! He served as Belle Plaine Chief of police in the '70s and worked at Thermogas in Marengo before finishing his career at O'Grady's in Van Horne - all along making many lifelong friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Dawn (Doug) Reed; grandchildren, Mai'Le (Austin) King, Ben Reed, AJ Novotny and Brice Novotny; great-grandchildren, Kyler and Emery King; siblings, Marvin and Al Novotny, Beverly DeNeve and their families; his partner, Patsy Musel; her children, Kevin, Mark (Teri Ann) Musel, Kelly (Dean) Hinschberger and Matt (Brandi) Musel; and many grand- and great-grandchildren.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, George "Dewey" Strachan; brother, Leon; and son, Paul.

Visitation in 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Belle Plaine. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine, with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Micheal's Catholic Church, Duck's Unlimited, or the NRA. Online condolences can be sent the family at www.hrabakfuneralhome.com.