Lawrence Novotney

Lawrence G. Novotney (Larry), 64, of Seneca, Illinois, passed away on April 11, 2014 at his home. A visitation will be held at from 4:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday, April 15 at Ottawa Funeral Home at 1111 LaSalle Street
, Ottawa, IL 61350 and on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 9:30 - 10:00 prior to services at the church. The funeral will be 10:00 am Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 300 E. Union St., Seneca, IL 61360. He was born in Streator, Illinois February 28, 1950 to parents, Thomas and Emma (Drapp) Novotney. He graduated from Streator High School in 1968, and received his Bachelor's of Science in math education from the University of Illinois, and his Master's of Science in math education from Bemidji State University. He was previously married to Mary Dow (deceased 1979). He married Betty Fulton of Bemidji, MN on August 22, 1981. Larry was a lifetime fan of basketball and baseball, specifically the University of Illinois and the Chicago Cubs. One of his greatest accomplishments was teaching high school math for 39 years, and coaching high school basketball for 34 years. He taught and coached in four states including Illinois, Minnesota, Montana and Missouri. Larry taught and coached at the following high schools in Illinois: Richmond-Burton, Momence, Putnam County, and Lincoln-Way Central. He concluded his teaching career at St. Bede High School. Following his retirement, Larry served as the athletic director at Seneca Grade School, and worked at the fitness center at Seneca High School. He was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Seneca. Larry was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Larry's love of sports connected his life with many and often in the form of coaching. His laugh, love, candid sense of humor, and "handyman capabilities" will be dearly missed. Larry is survived by his wife Betty, daughters Debbie (Marty) Wietfeldt, Bloomington, IL; Kathy, Morrison, IL; and Molly, at home; and one granddaughter, Lauren Wietfeldt. He is also survived by two nieces Kim (Ron) Dankenbring, Streator, IL; Valerie (David) Bahr, West Lafayette, IN; and one nephew, Jack Pieper, of Mesa, AZ. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Eugene and Robert E. and sister, Carol (Craig) Handzo. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Seneca High School Foundation, Larry Novotney Scholarship Fund at 307 E Scott St., Seneca, IL 61360 or Our Savior's Lutheran Church.