Marvin Lee Novotny, 85, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026. He was born on September 11, 1940 to Otto & Lottie (Bartachek) Novotny. Later in life, his stepfather, Dewey Strachan, was a special part of his life and family.

On October 26, 1963, Marv married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Cleppe "Tweet". Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and the outdoors, sharing more than six decades of marriage and countless treasured memories.

Throughout his working years, he was employed at Wilson (Farmstead) Foods and later at ADM Corn Sweeteners, where he was a very dedicated and hard-working man.  He was known affectionately by many as the "Silicone King". Marv had an incredible knack for fixing, building, and inventing solutions to just about anything.

He found joy in life's simple pleasures. Marv loved spending time outdoors fishing, camping, hunting, gardening, and taking long walks. He enjoyed listening and dancing to polka and classic country music, canning, and watching the birds and squirrels that visited his yard. Above all else, he cherished every moment spent with his family, who were the center of his world.

Marv is survived by his beloved wife, Barb; his children, Scott (Kathy) Novotny, Annette (Scott) Myers, and Jody (Brent) Shaw; his grandchildren, Paige (Evan) Brehm, Jill (Brian) Waterbeck, Ryan (Sam) Novotny, Sarah Novotny, Hunter Shaw, Skyler Shaw, and Ryder Shaw; his great-grandchildren, Reid, Elsie, Addy, Brooklyn, and Ava, sister Bev DeNeve, brother Allen (LuAnn) Novotny, and sister-in-Law Sherryl Novotny.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lottie Strachan, Otto Novotny, and Dewey Strachan, his brothers, Dick Novotny and Leon Novotny and brother-in-law Ed DeNeve.

Marv will be remembered as a hardworking, dependable, and creative man whose love for the outdoors was only surpassed by his love for his family. His quiet strength and willingness to lend a helping hand left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and in the countless memories they will cherish forever.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Windsor Manor, Cottage Grove Place and Mercy Hospice for the outstanding care and attention they provided the past several months.

Visitation will be Monday, July 27th at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Home in Belle Plaine, Iowa from 12:30-2:00 with short prayer service at 2:00.  Burial is at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blairstown, Iowa following the prayer service. After burial, a gathering will take place at the Silver Dollar Tavern in Chelsea, Iowa where Marv & Barb met on April 1, 1963.