John "Jack" Novotney Jr.

I am so sad to hear this. I will remember him for his humor and one of the best "host dads" to his foreign exchange students

My heart goes out to the family. Jack was a GOD sent to the Village of Grand Ridge. We won't have been able to accomplish what the village did without Jack. I had all intentions to attend the wake and funeral but I came down with COVID. Jack will be missed by so many not only his engineering knowledge but also, as a friend. Kay Hines

I´m so sorry that Jack has passed. He was one of the most caring and most willing to help guys I ever knew. During my time in La Salle Co we were the best of friends. I´ll never forget how we met and found our mutual love for waterskiing. We shared a lot of laughs and a few tears during those years. We all have a hole left in us without Jack. My prayers are with you, Mary Jo, and with your wonderful family. Jim Riley

I´ve known Jack from my many years of renting cross-country skis at Mathiassen park, plus having him work on my skis as well. I loved visiting with him about our shared love of nature & introducing others, especially youth, to cross- country skiing. It was obvious to me that Jack was a "good man" in all respects, & I am saddened to lose a friend.