Donald Lee Novotny

Donald Lee Novotny was born Aug 30th 1947 in Wymore Nebraska to Calvin George and Peggy Gladys (Wake) Novotny. He grew up on a farm south of Diller and attended Country School then went to Diller High School, but a farming accident over Christmas Vacation sent him to the Lincoln Hospital where he lost vision in his eye which caused him not to finish his schooling.He got a job driving truck picking up cans of milk and cream. He later worked for the Rock Island Railroad when he met his future bride where she worked at a Dry Cleaners in Fairbury. After knowing her for 3 weeks Don proposed, in his fashion by saying that, “We’re getting married in August and that was in March 1970. Don married Ronelda “Roni” Messmer Aug 22nd 1970 and to this union they had one son Troy Lee on Sept 14th 1971. After living in Louisville, they moved to Hollenberg Kansas and Don worked for Bud and Bill’s in Steele City driving a cement mixer and Bandag recap tires in Fairbury. Then he worked at Fairbury Foods, Diners Delight in Fairbury and different paper routes.He was a lover of trains mostly steam engines. In given a chance would follow a steam engine for miles. He was also an antique tractor buff and enjoyed going to antique tractor shows.His hobbies were fishing, camping, jigsaw puzzles, sitting outside with a cup of coffee watching the traffic. For those that knew him know he was a man of few words but could speak volumes if and when he wanted to. Preceding him in death were his parents Calvin and Peggy (Wake) Novotny, Grandparents George and Lydia (Freeouf) Novotny. William and Gladys (Chambers) Wake, In Laws George and Versa (Farmer) Messmer, Brother-in-Law Gary Messmer, Sisters-in-Laws Judy (Messmer) Fry, Sue Novotny, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He is survived by his wife Ronelda “Roni” of Fairbury, Son Troy of Fairbury, Don’s favorite son (his dog Ernie), Brother Joe and Sister-in-Law Vic Novotny of Johnson Nebraska, Niece, Nephews, Great Nieces and Nephews, and Great-Great Nieces and Nephews. Services will be held at the First Christian Church, Friday August 1, 2025 at 10:30. A meal will follow with burial at Steele Cemetery to follow the meal. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

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