Ryan Wayne Novotny, 58

Ryan Wayne Novotny was born January 27, 1951 in Bismarck, North Dakota, the son of Edward and Mary (Wright) Novotny. He died October 1, 2009 in Cambridge.

During his childhood, his family lived in Ortonville, Morris, Ashby and Alexandria. Wayne graduated from Jefferson High School in Alexandria in 1969.

Wayne went into the United States Air Force in 1970 and was assigned to the security police division. He spent one year in Vietnam and during that year he served in the Special Forces where they went into P.O.W. camps and rescued American soldiers. After leaving Vietnam in 1972, Wayne was united in marriage to Sheila Lantz. They served out Wayne’s final two years in the Air Force stateside at Kincheloe AFB, Michigan.

The couple returned to Alexandria for a short time and then moved to Fargo where Wayne entered the optical sales business. He was transferred to Minot and later lived in Alexandria again before settling permanently in the Twin Cities area.

He loved sports and played a lot of golf until he started having health problems. Wayne was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis and spent many of the last 20 years in a wheelchair.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Novotny of Cambridge; daughters, Jen (Ted) Beams of Blaine, Nicole (Jeremy) Johnson of Cambridge, and Crystal (Travis) Novotny of North Branch; grandchildren, Corbin, Madison, Tori, Shawn and Alyssa; brothers, Gary Novotny, Claire (Marlene) Novotny, Bryon (Jill) Novotny; sister, Anita McMullen (Don Livieres); in-laws, Brad and Dolores Lantz; and a special friend of Mark’s, Angie Olson.

R. Wayne was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward (2007), Mark (2009); sister-in-law, Nancy (2007); brother-in-law, Gary (2002); and daughter, Lisa Marie (1978).

Memorial services were held Saturday, October 10 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Don Reisig officiating. Music was provided by Mark Graf and Doug Tatge. Inurnment was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria with Barry Anderson, Kayla Nowicki, Barb Nowicki, Terry Dehn, Paym Hylton and Bryon Novotny serving as honorary pallbearers.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

A00009B2009OT14

Tags: ryan wayne novotny, anderson funeral home, obituaries, novotny, alexandria

Sign the guestbook (1 comment)

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions