Obituaries

July 8, 1931 to December 6, 2024

FRANCESVILLE - Arthur Charles “Art” Novotny, 93, of Francesville, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 6, at Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville.

He was born July 8, 1931 in Cleveland (OH) to the late Charles and Katherine [Albrecht] Novotny. He spent most of his youth in Lakewood, Ohio before moving to Francesville as a teen. He graduated from Francesville High School in 1949 and earned an associate’s degree from a business college in Lakewood. Beginning in 1951, he served stateside in the U.S. Army as a non-combatant soldier during the Korean War. During this time, he married Maxine Gutwein on Feb. 10, 1952 in Francesville. She preceded him in death.

Art Novotny

He is survived by:
Cathy (José) Cervantes, Tecate, Mexico, Daughter
Mark (Kristel) Novotny, Fishers, Son
Mary Lyn (Bob) Milford, Fishers, Daughter
Grandchildren: Jann (Adam) Snively, Kurt (Mary) Novotny, Ruth (Matt) Gerber, Crystal Cervantes, Rebekah (Nathan) Elliott, Daniel (Natasha) Cervantes, Melody (Jonathan) Kurtz, Matthew (fiancée: Sidni Breese) Milford, and Rachel Milford.
18 Great-Grandchildren
Dr. Harold Novotny, Brother
Jane (Ralph) Krebs, Sister
Rhonda Gutwein, Sister-in-law
Edison (Chrisann) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Phil (Carol) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Juanita Norman, Sister-in-law
Elden (Mary Lee) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Rodney (Donna) Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Karl (Donna) Westfall, Brother-in-law
Yvonne Gutwein, Sister-in-law
James Denton, Brother-in-law
Numerous Nieces and Nephews and their Families

Preceded in death by:
Ruth Novotny, Infant Sister
Adeline Gutwein, Sister
Ray Novotny, Brother
Carl and Mary [Farney] Gutwein, In-Laws
Nate Gutwein, Brother-in-law
Mary Louise Westfall, Sister-in-law
Carl Gutwein, Jr., Brother-in-law
Sharon Denton, Sister-in-law

Mr. Novotny accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior prior to graduating from high school and was a devoted and lifelong member of the Francesville Apostolic Church. Over the years, he and Maxine enjoyed annual reunions with other families from the church who had lived together at Ft. Sam Houston. From a young age, he worked in the family business, Novotny Furs, in Lakewood, and there is no doubt this experience laid a strong foundation for his future business endeavors. He established, owned, and operated various businesses in Francesville, including Novotny Insurance and The Troy Restaurant. He was the consummate small town businessman who not only sold insurance, but also held a real estate license, did bookkeeping for numerous local businesses, ran a restaurant, and even served as Justice of the Peace. He greeted all with a smile and an outstretched hand. He was always on the go – it was impossible to slow him down. Art kept his phone in hand so he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to have a good conversation. He truly enjoyed talking with everyone. Most of all, he loved his wife of 66 years and their beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He treasured time together with his family and wanted each of them to grow to have a personal relationship with Jesus. He had a warm smile and deep love that will be dearly missed. “A joyful heart is good medicine” - Proverbs 17:22a

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec.11, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Francesville with ministers of the church officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville. Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion.

Memorial donations may be made to:

• Parkview Haven Retirement Home in Francesville, or
• Little Hands Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico (make checks payable to the Apostolic Christian Church Foundation, Inc.)

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.