Lois Jean Novotny

Lois Novotny of Freedhem, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the St. Gabriels Hospital in Little Falls. Lois was 72 years old.

A funeral service will take place on Monday, September 21, 2020 at the Emblom Brenny Funeral Service Chapel in Little Falls at 10:30AM. Visitation will take place Sunday, September 20, 2020 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Emblom Brenny Funeral Service and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service the day of.

Lois Jean was born on May 16, 1948 the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Schultz) Heinz of Freedhem, Minnesota. Lois graduated from Little Falls High school in 1966. She soon after married Lester Novotny on June 18, 1966. Their union was blessed with three children, Joe, Betty Jo and Judy. The couple raised the family in Freedhem near her parents and sisters families. They later moved onto her grandparents farm where she grew up.

The family enjoyed the outdoors, spending hours caring for the land and animals. Lois raised American White horses, Scottish cows, rabbits, peacocks, llamas and alpaca. As well as many other more traditional farm animals. The family spent many hours with the Sunset Riders Saddle Club, which they were founding members of, she loved showing horses and frequently traveled to the White Horse Ranch for the annual show. Lester passed away in 2002. In 2008, Lois married Delford Vernier. The couple enjoyed playing cards and working the farm together.

Lois was an independent strong soul, that loved her family, farm and animals. She was always busy, whether is was farm work, baking, canning or tending to her vegetable and flower garden. At times you could find her out on the four-wheeler tooling around the countryside or fishing on area lake. Her caring and easy-going personality will be deeply missed by all who know her.

On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, Lois passed away after having a major stroke. She leaves behind her children, Joe (Karen) Novotny, Betty Jo (Jason) Franzen; stepchildren, Randal Vernier, Ric (Patty) Vernier, Danelle (Brent) Bryniarski; grandchildren, Megan and Jenifer Franzen; many step grandchildren, and great grandchildren; sister, Elaine Althaus; nephew, Victor Althaus; niece, Lisa (Chuck) Borash.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Novotny and Delford Vernier; parents, Joseph and Margaret Heinz; daughter, Judy Novotny.