Evelyn Ann Novotny

Evelyn Ann (Tiedje) Novotny was born March 27, 1933, in Elkhorn, Nebraska to Claus and Kate (Sass) Tiedje. She grew up on the family farm where she attended Country School and graduated from Elkhorn High School in 1950. Evelyn went to work at Boys Town after graduation. She met her future husband, John Novotny, when he brought a replacement typewriter to her office. They were married on February 14, 1953. Four children followed: Frances, Pamela, Curtis and Joseph. Evelyn and John made their home in Omaha, Nebraska on Franklin Street until 1957 when they moved to Valley, Nebraska where they raised their family. After discovering a Betty Crocker Maple Coffee Cake recipe from the 1963 Pillsbury Bake-Off, Evelyn baked one and entered it in the Douglas County Fair. She would win multiple ribbons for the coffee cake over the years, and she also won ribbons for her afghans and quilts. December found Evelyn baking and decorating Christmas Cookies. Dozens were created in her kitchen every year that she shared with family, friends and neighbors. Evelyn worked at the Valley Public Schools for over 20 years. When she retired, she moved back to Omaha to the house on Franklin Street. In 2007 she donated the family spruce tree to the Durham Museum for the annual Christmas At Union Station celebration. She totally enjoyed sharing her tree with family, friends and the people of Omaha. Evelyn enjoyed crocheting, quilting and gardening after she retired. She spent as much time as she could with her grandchildren - from sporting events to days out of school. She also discovered the world of Beanie Baby Collecting which led her to a new circle of friends: Connie, Mary, Darlene, Lu and her adopted daughter, Beth. In 2013 Evelyn moved to Brookestone Village in Omaha. Evelyn discovered a new talent at Brookestone: painting! She would attend many painting sessions and really enjoyed her time with other residents creating art. She also looked forward to craft work, bingo and the group baking days. Evelyn was determined to walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. In September 2015 she did it with Samantha. Evelyn was usually the first one on the Brookestone bus for any trips they offered, from the Bakers Candy Factory Tour to looking at Christmas Lights in December. Evelyn passed away on February 20, 2025, at Brookestone Village in Omaha, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents: Claus and Kate Tiedje; husband, John; sister, Lois, and brothers, LeRoy and Melvin; sons-in-law, Michael Marshall and Gerald Kane. Evelyn is survived by her children, Frances Marshall of La Vista, Pamela Kane of Papillion, Curtis (Jean) Novotny of Kannapolis, North Carolina, and Joseph (Amy) Novotny of Omaha. Eight grandchildren: Whitney (Michael), Taylor (Joel), Jennifer (Guillaume), John (Mandie), Amanda, Jacob (Sairah), Alaina (Collin) and Kelsie. Nine great-grandchildren: Evan, Lane, Juneau, Delphine, Lucien, Gage, Caden, Rumi and Simran. We’d like to thank the people at Brookestone Village for their care and friendship for the 11 plus years that Evelyn lived there. We’re also thankful for the St. Joseph Villa Homecare and Hospice team. They were responsible for helping Mom at the beginning of her journey in 2013 and came back in to care for her at the end of her journey. Funeral service 11 AM on Saturday, March 1 at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn with visitation from 9-11 AM before the service. Interment at Flower Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Flower Hill Cemetery.

Evelyn Ann Novotny

March 27, 1933 - February 20, 2025