Helen Agnes Novotny, age 97, of Hastings, MN, formerly of New Prague, died Mother’s Day, May 10, 2015 at the Augustana Health Care Center in Hastings.  She was born March 8, 1918, the daughter of Mathias & Mary (Lukes) Bartusek of Wheatland Township, Rice County, Minnesota.  She attended District and St. Wenceslaus Schools.  On August 29, 1939, she married Louis Novotny at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague.  They lived on a farm for 30 years on the northwest side of Cedar Lake.  She was a member of many senior citizen organizations in New Prague.  Helen sang old time and Czech songs, while her husband, Louis, played the push button accordion for senior citizens at nursing homes in the New Prague area.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, playing cards, dancing, and singing.

Helen is survived by 2 sons, Ronald (& Mary) of Hastings, Marvin (& Shirley) of Houston, TX; 5 grandsons, Jeff (& Pam) of Shell Rock, IA, Mike (& Kris) of Caldwell, ID, Jay (& Barbara) of Jordon, MN, Jon of Humble, TX, Chris (& Trish) of Humble, TX; 9 great-grandchildren, Brandi Novotny (& Scott) Smith & Brayden Novotny both of ID, Nicholas USAFB of Tucson, AZ, Eric & Breanna of Jordan, MN, Luke & Nathan of Humble, TX; step-great-grandchildren, Korban & Kourtney Saxton of Boise, ID; great-great-grandson Tucker Smith of ID; step-great-great-granddaughter Ellie Smith of ID; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis in 2006; sisters, Bessie & Mayme Sticha; brother Ben Bartusek; sisters-in-law, Marcy Bartusek & Julia Novotny; brothers-in-law William & Robert Sticha & Frank Novotny.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 15, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home with Father David Barrett officiating.  Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to Mass from 10 – 11 AM.  Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by lunch at the Legion Clubroom.