Peggy Novotny

Peggy Novotny, age 67, of Appleton, Minnesota, died Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton, Minnesota. Visitation will continue Friday, November 7, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Appleton City Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home ~ Vaala Chapel of Appleton is assisting the family with arrangements. zniewskifuneralhome.com

Peggy Ann (Sachs) Novotny was born on April 27, 1958, in Appleton, Minnesota, the daughter of Virgil and Jeanette (Ruether) Sachs. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High School in 1976. She was united in marriage to Keith Novotny on October 1, 1994, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton.

After graduation, Peggy worked many jobs, always with a bright smile and a strong work ethic. She began her career as a hostess at the Foxwood Supper Club and the Paddle Bar before managing the Milan Legion for nearly twenty years, with her husband Keith faithfully by her side. Together, they later bought a restaurant in Appleton, which they named Peg’s Place, where they worked side by side in “Keith’s Kitchen.” Peggy operated the restaurant until the time of her passing.

Peg’s Place became Peggy’s pride and joy during the seventeen years she ran it. It was truly a family place, with many relatives working there or stopping in for a meal and a visit. She loved the people of Appleton and cherished the regular customers she greeted each day. Children—especially family—would stop in for her famous cinnamon and caramel rolls or her chocolate chip cookies, while many others came just for her beloved roast beef combos.

More than anything, Peggy loved her family. She was always there for anyone who needed help or a listening ear. Her home was open to everyone—any time, day or night. Peggy and Keith especially loved hosting holidays, with Christmas being their favorite. Peggy was known for her beautiful outdoor Christmas decorations, and each year Keith would dress up as Santa Claus for the little ones—creating joyful memories that will forever warm the hearts of those who loved them.

Peggy’s kindness, generosity, and love for others touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Peggy was welcomed into heaven on Sunday, November 2, 2025, by her beloved husband Keith Novotny and son Chris Novotny; her parents Virgil and Jeanette Sachs; brother Craig Sachs; nephew Ryan Holzheimer; father-in-law Kenton Novotny; and brothers-in-law Butch Sadergaski and Kenton Novotny II.

She is survived by her granddaughter Brynna Novotny; brothers Mark Sachs and Kevin (Tiffanie) Sachs, both of Appleton; sisters Linda Holzheimer and Kathy (Bill) Clemen, both of Appleton; sister-in-law Carol Sachs of Appleton; mother-in-law Marjorie Novotny; and brothers-in-law Kurt (Teren) Novotny and Kelly (Cathy) Novotny.

Peggy is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews: Jennifer (Justin) Koepp, Aaron (Gina) Sachs, Shane Sachs, Carrie Viessmann, Darin (Raina) Holzheimer, Angela (Scott) Conn, Amber (Ryan) Lee, Ashley (Brad) Weckman, Adam (Kendra) Clemen, Kyle Sachs, Carissa Hanson, Chloe Sachs, and Joshua (IvyRose) Sachs.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13