Edmo Jean “E.J.” Novotny
1926 - 2024
Edmo Jean “E.J.” Novotny, 97, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at his home in Russell.
He was born on August 21, 1926, in Zurich, Kansas, the son of Rudolph Robert and Violet (Kaba) Novotny. He was their first-born child and was raised in Zurich around his loving grandparents.
He attended schools in Zurich and Palco and graduated from St. Joseph Military School in 1944, now known as Thomas Moore Prep High School in Hays, Kansas. He joined the United States Navy as a Sea Bee in Okinawa and Sipan during World War II, and his shipmates called him Junior because he was only 18 years old. Later in life, he met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Linda J. Coody on September 7, 1982, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They worked together for over 35 years as sales executives for the Heritage Company, selling advertising supplies and novelties.
Two of E.J.’s fondest memories were attending the dedication and tour of the new WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. in May 2004 and the one-day Honor Flight tour with 102 other veterans and 35 students in 2008. He was also very proud to be interviewed by the Smithsonian Channel about his time during World War II and enjoyed showing his part on the “Wings of Honor” tape that was produced.
He was a born salesman and enjoyed working with and visiting with his customers, even if they did not feel like buying anything that day. He liked that his name was on the gates at TMP High School. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially at Cheyenne Bottoms, Kansas. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends.
He is survived by his brother Bill Novotny (Pat) of Overland Park; sisters Dolores Morton and Sharon Lovesee of Larned; nieces and nephews Cheryl Dietrich, Stan Morton, Kelly Moffet, Gayne Morris, Ramona Schwartz, Corbin Novotny, Rob Hairfield, Michael Hairfield, Steve Lovesee, Ron Lovesee, Doug Lovesee, and Joel Lovesee; 15 great nieces/nephews and numerous great-great nieces/nephews.
E.J. was preceded in death by his parents, wife Linda, and sister Roberta Hairfield.
A Memorial Service to celebrate E.J.’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Hoisington Cemetery in Hoisington, Kansas. Military honors will be presented by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. The family will greet guests on the day of the service at the mortuary.
Memorials may be given to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.
