Michael Lee Novotny, 56 of David City, passed away on February 11, 2020.
Mike was born December 13, 1963 to Floyd and Kay Novotny in Lincoln, Nebraska. He grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1982.
In 1992, Mike operated and owned Marquis Body Shop in Ulysses, Nebraska. Then in 2001 he moved to California and was a manager at Willy's Body Shop. In 2002, Mike moved to David City where he owned and operated Marquis Body Shop and bought his ranch. The name Marquis came from his favorite car and his favorite cut of diamond. He also enjoyed raising black and dapple Percheron horses for 21 years.
Mike was very involved in the community. He was a member of the David City Rural Fire Board District 9, the Parade Committee, Goldrush Committee, the Rotary Club and was a clown at Shrine from 1989-1993. He also owned Senora Carriage Company. Mike gave carriage rides to the Villa and David Place residents, and during the Christmas Kickoff event. He was a Dignitary and Grand Entry at the Burwell Rodeo and was the Hallmark Event Christmas Tree Lighter. He enjoyed going on long horse rides, including the Senora Pass Wagon Train and Hwy 50 Wagon Train rides. Mike also rode motorcycles.
He is survived by his children: Austin(Amber) Novotny, of Lincoln; and Skyler(Jack J. Linhart) Novotny, of Weeping Water; brother: Jeffrey(Francis) Novotny, of Martel; sisters: Kelley(Neil) Packett, of Lincoln, and Machelle(Mike) Oehm, of Lincoln; grandchildren: Keegan, Hayden, Bentley Miller, Adilyn and Henry; and his angel: Marla Svoboda.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; cousins: Adolf Novotny and Jerry Woodcock.
*The family asks that you dress casually for the graveside service.
Lunch will be served at the Butler County Fairgrounds Event Center following the graveside service.