John Wayne Novotny, 65, of Elyria passed away at his home, peacefully, on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 with his family by his side. John had just turned 65 and was looking forward to retirement. During his lifetime he was active in many different jobs, including being active in 4 H programs for his grade school and high school years. He played defensive tackle for the Vermilion Sailors as a sophomore on the Varsity team. John began his career working at the grain elevator in Wakeman. This experience led to his part ownership of the Novotny Farm Market in Vermilion for many years. He then, became an elementary teacher in his mid years working in the Cleveland area. For most of his married life he enjoyed working at Worcester's Inc. as a commercial equipment salesman in North Ridgeville. John graduated from Ashland University with a BS in Education. He played many different roles in his lifetime at the different jobs he had, and he became proficient in handling situations with ease and grace. He always had a kind word for anyone he met, whether a stranger or family member (of which he was number 5 of 11 children). John was so knowledgeable in all of his endeavors that he was able to quote pages of information from a parts book with clarity. He could tell what was the possible diagnosis of a machine with ease when he was able to hear it running. John loved to travel on vacations with his family each summer to the Outer Banks, and he loved to gamble, but his favorite place to go was always his home. His grandchildren, Chase Ross, Frankie and Aaron Proszek were his fondest treasures. We thought that John would live forever. His untimely death has inspired us all to continue following his life of kindness. He left us all with an indelible impression of what it means to live a good life! Those of us who knew and loved him will miss his kind heart and warm smiles, Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Margaret Plas Novotny, brothers Larry, Brian, and Bruce Novotny, sisters, Nancy (Don) Missig, Patricia and Sharon Novotny, Ellen (Joseph) Bertrand, Chris Bende and Mary Pena, and nieces and nephews. His brother-in-law, Wilbert (Bill) Plas, Nancy Rankin Plas (deceased), and sister-in-law, Dr. Jeanne Plas, will also miss him always. Stepchildren Laura Ross, Michael Ross, Misty (Frank) Proszek, and Daniel (Kelly) Ross. Grandchildren, Chase Ross, Frankie and Aaron Proszek. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Dorothy Novotny and Sister Kathleen Novotny. Family will receive friends 2-5 PM Sunday, February 26, 2023 at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57), Elyria 440-322-4626. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Monday, February 27, 2023 at St. Jude Catholic Church 590 Poplar St. Elyria, OH 44035 (Please Meet at Church). Rev. Fr. Joseph Scalco,CSJ pastor will be the Celebrant. In celebration of John's life, donations may be made to the St. Joseph's Indian School located at 1301 North Main Street, P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325.