Date : 05 Feb 2004
Location : Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK
Rudolph Joseph Novotny died suddenly Feb. 1 after a brief illness. Rudy was born May 18, 1927, to Joseph and Frances (Janda) Novotny, on the family farm near Chickasha. He graduated from Amber High School, and served his country proudly as an Army sergeant during the Korean War. Upon returning from active duty in Korea, he graduated from Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater. In 1954, he married Evelyn Gengler and they had four children. He was manager of Wilson Lumber Co., which later became Northwestern Lumber. In 1972, he became a cost analyst for HUD in Houston and later transferred back to Oklahoma City, where he retired in 1987. Rudy was a natural musician, an avid gardener and a loving father. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Steve Novotny; brother, Cyril Novotny; sisters, Mary Reding, Maria Novotny and Josephine Novotny. He is survived by his son Tom Novotny and Tom's dear friend Sheri Smith of South Padre Island, Texas; daughters, Carolyn Anderson and husband David Lee, Jane Moon and husband K.C., Oklahoma City; brothers, Joe Novotny, Yukon, and Louis Novotny, Chickasha; sisters, Martha O'Reilly, Wichita, KS, and Agnes Skoch, Stillwater; and seven grandchildren. An evening prayer service will be Wed., 7 p.m. at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 1401 N.W. 23. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thurs., 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church. The family is especially grateful for the spiritual support of St. Francis parish nurse Mary Diane Steltenkamp. Memorial gifts may made to the St. Francis Church Building Fund, 1901 N.W. 18, Okla. City, OK 73106.
The Daily Oklahoman - Feb 4, 2004
