Dorothy “Dottie” Novotny

Dorothy “Dottie” Novotny, 92, was called into the presence of the Lord on Sunday, May 18th, 2025.

She will be remembered by those who knew her as a woman of strong faith with an abundant love for others and animals.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa to Arthur and Elsie Hudson, she lived most of her younger life in West Des Moines (Valley Junction) where she graduated from Valley High School in the class of 1952.

She met the love of her life, another West Des Moines resident, John D. Novotny in 1951 and they were married in November 1952 after he left the Marine Corps. They were blessed to raise three children, Julee, John and Joy and many more fur babies. Dorothy was a homemaker throughout her life and enjoyed being active in her various church homes and her children’s schools and extracurricular activities. During their almost sixty years together, the couple resided in West Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska and Bella Vista, Arkansas. They ultimately returned back to the Des Moines area in 2004. 

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Julee, son John and wife Kim, as well as two grandchildren, Marisa Martinez and Nick Martinez, three great grandchildren, Brittany, Beau and Baylee as well as her brother Harry Hudson and many nieces and nephews.

Family members who preceded her in death include her husband, John, daughter Joy, her parents, two brothers (Robert and John) and four sisters (Mary, Louise, Vera and Helen).

Per her wishes, she was cremated and will be interred with her husband at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa following a private service to be held at a later date.

The family wants to thank the doctors and nurses at the Unity Point Methodist Hospital critical care unit for their kindness and compassion during her brief stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue, Guide Dogs for the Blind or Hope Ministries.