Service Information
Lauriel F. Novotny, age 91, of Stewart, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11:00 A.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, with interment in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Stewart, Minnesota.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the chapel.
Obituary
Lauriel Fay Novotny was born on April 18, 1934, in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Vernon and Loretta (Koopman) Kuehl. Lauriel was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith has a youth at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. She received her education in Stewart, and was a graduate of the Stewart High School class of 1952.
On September 4, 1954, Lauriel was united in marriage to Richard Novotny at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart. This marriage was blessed with two children, Bruce and Wendy. Lauriel and Richard resided on a Naval Base in California, and later moved back home to Stewart. They shared 50 years of marriage until Richard passed away on May 3, 2005.
Lauriel was employed with Stewart Public School as a teachers aid and later as a secretary. She retired in 1995. Lauriel was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart.
Lauriel loved playing bingo and attending senior dining in Stewart. She also enjoyed visiting with people, traveling and snowmobiling. Lauriel loved taking trips up north with her family to various resorts and going fishing. She especially cherished time spent with her family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
Lauriel passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Woodstone Senior Living in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 91 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Lauriel is survived by her:
Children, Bruce Novotny and his wife, Dena of Elk Mound, WI,
Wendy Wieweck and her husband, David of Pine River, MN;
Grandchildren, Adam Novotny, Lisa Wieweck-Pineda, Brady (Katie) Wieweck;
Great-grandchildren, Lilianna Pineda, Lilly Jay Paulson, Mason Wieweck, Paxton Wieweck;
Many other relatives and friends.
Lauriel is preceded in death by her Parents, Vernon and Loretta Kuehl; Husband, Richard Novotny; Grandson, Scott Novotny; Brother, Robert Kuehl.
Marie Maki says
Lauriel was such a sweetheart of a gal. I was so fortunate to visit with her and enjoy her stories of her kids and life in Stewart. We also had many laughs playing a game or two of Bingo at Hutchinson VFW and Cactus Jacks II in Stewart. RIP Lauriel.
BruceNovotny says
Thank you Marie for being a friend and kinda keeping an eye on her playing Bingo!!!!
Laurie Bacon says
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this. She was such a sweet lady. I enjoyed visiting with her at Woodstone. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bruce novotny says
Thank You Laurie it was good to see you at Woodstone.
Donna Wiechman says
Knew her from kindergarten to the time I graduated and beyond. She was a staple in our Stewart School. Always had a smile on her face and she was an Avon lady too! When I think of our school which I think a lot of us had good memories , she is one I think of too. You will always be in our hearts Mrs. Novotny.
BruceNovotny says
Thank You Donna for such kind words!!
She really enjoyed the school and all of the kids!!
Curt Burns says
Novonty Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of your mother. She was the glue that held Stewart Public School together. All of us that attended Stewart will always appreciate what she did for all of us. May God’s Peace be with all of you. Curt Burns
BruceNovotny says
Thank You Curt
Mom really enjoyed the school and all the kids.
Her and your mom were pretty good friends to I believe.
Galen & Debbie Goranowski says
So sorry to hear of Lauriel’s passing. We met her playing Bingo in Hutch and always enjoyed sitting and visiting with her. She was always so pleasant.
BruceNovotny says
Thank You Deb and Galen
We enjoyed your mom also at Bingo. Also our visits at bingo.
Leroy and Darlene Karg says
Bruce and Wendy and family
Leroy and I send our sympathy to both of you and your families. She will be remembered by students and parents at Stewart Public School. Cherish the memories you have
Bruce novotny says
Thank You Darlene and Leroy!
Alice Daak says
Sympathy to both Bruce and Wendy and their families. I worked a few years with Lauriel at the Stewart school and really enjoyed that time. Also, she was my long time Avon person and I bought several embroidered dish towel sets from her. She was my go to for shower gifts. Loved her smile and kind nature. Rest in peace Lauriel.
BruceNovotny says
Thank You Alice
Mom really enjoyed her time at school. Oh yes the “Avon” lady that is one that totally slipped our minds. Many years doing that!!
Patty Schulze says
I knew Lauriel when she helped me out working at The Hometown Cafe in Stewart. Dick would come in and eat and when she was done we would all visit. They are Good ‘Ole days memories. I enjoyed seeing Lauriel and the family playing bingo at cactus too! She was lucky! With sympathy from Patty and Troy Schulze
Bruce novotny says
Thank You Patty and Troy!!
She really enjoyed everything about Stewart. Sure had many good Memories!!
Twyla Waller says
Our deepest sympathy to all. Always remember Lauriel working at school!! Always a smiling face when I had to go to the office!!!! Always seen her on the
Stewart/Hutch road, she as going to Bingo, and I was coming home from work .
Blessed be her memory!
Twyla & Chuck
Bruce novotny says
Thank You Twyla and Chuck!!
I’m sure you did pass her a “couple” times and the way to Bingo
LeeAnn Becker says
My sympathy to both the families of Lauriels children. Lauriel was a great friend all the years we attended at Stewart Public School . Sorry I didn’t find out she had passed until after the funeral. My sincere sympathy. We had lots of fun together at school.