Louise Mary (Sykora) Novotny, age 105, of Willmar, MN and formerly of Buffalo, MN passed away on September 25, 2024, in Willmar, MN.
She was born June 7, 1919 in Maple Lake, MN to Charles and Margaret (Kriss) Sykora where she also grew up on the family farm.
She graduated from Maple Lake Public High School.
Louise married Gilbert Joseph Novotny on November 12, 1938. He preceded her in death on July 28, 1989. She later married Leonard Stokes on November 30, 1991. He preceded her in death on January 14, 2003.
In addition to helping out on the family farm, Louise belonged to the Maple Lake Home Makers Club, assisted at Farmers Sign Up at the courthouse, and at the Farm Fests in Wright County, when Governor Anderson and Cedric Adams would attend, and she helped serve them lunches at the concession stands. Louise volunteered for the Cancer Fund and the Red Cross. She was employed for twenty-one years at Wonderalls Manufacturing in Buffalo, MN.
After moving to Buffalo in 1990, Louise worked at the Chamber of Commerce, volunteered at the food shelf, and the Community Center. She loved playing cards, cooking, entertaining friends, and living at Tower Hill in Buffalo. Louise was also a devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
In 2014, Louise moved to Copperleaf Community Living Center in Willmar, MN where she remained until 2018, when she moved to Bethesda Grand Senior Living in Willmar, MN.
Survived by son-in-law: Dudley Becker; grandchildren: Monica Rodegheiro, David (Amanda) Becker, Danielle (Brian) Novotny, and Dale (Shannon) Becker; great grandchildren: Ashley, Shelby, Caroline, Luke, Jake, Rich, Noelle, and Gracyn; great-great grandchildren: Esbe and Graham.
In addition to her husbands, Louise was also preceded in death by her daughters Sharon Rodeghiero and Dona Becker; siblings: Edward Sykora, Charles (Mineva) Sykora Jr., Clarence (Violet) Sykora, Melvin (Ruby) Sykora, Maybelle Sykora, Leone (Ray) Gorrill, Ray Sykora and a sister who died in infancy.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Louise Novotny will be held on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Father Austin Barnes will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Timothy’s East Cemetery, Maple Lake, MN.
Visitation will be held AT THE CHURCH on Saturday, October 19th one hour prior to Mass.
Casket Bearers will be her great grand-children: Ashley, Shelby, Caroline, Luke, Jake, Rich, Noelle and Gracyn.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo, MN assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com.