Ken Novotny's Obituary
Kenton Edward Novotny II, 53, of Germantown, TN, loving husband and father, passed away September 17, 2014 in the Northwest Territories of Canada. He was fulfilling a lifelong dream of moose hunting. Ken grew up in Minnesota where his love of the outdoors began. He graduated from Olivia High School, Olivia, MN where he was involved with many activities. He played on the football team at St. Cloud State University where he received his B.S. with honors in accounting. He went on to earn his MBA from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and graduated as class valedictorian. After working 10 years at Lazard Middle Market in Minnesota, Ken was recruited to Memphis by Morgan Keegan, now Raymond James, where he worked in their investment banking group. Ken married his soul mate Brenda Johnson in 1985. They lived for 13 years in Woodbury, Minnesota. They were blessed with three beautiful children; Jack Edward, 22, Knoxville,TN, Ellen Marie, 20, San Diego, CA, and Olivia Lillian, 17, Germantown, TN. His passion for sports and his love for the outdoors will live on forever in the hearts of his children and wife. Ken was an exceptional father, husband, son, and brother. He will be dearly missed by his mother, Marge Novotny from Olivia, MN and his brothers Kurt (Teren) and Kelly (Cathy), as well as his sister-in-law Peggy, all from MN. He was adored and will be greatly missed by his in-laws, Waldo and Margene Johnson from Phoenix, AZ, as well as his brothers in law, Bryce and Jeff Johnson. Ken also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he cherished. He was greeted in heaven by his loving father, Kenton Novotny, and was joined days after by his oldest brother Keith, who has been battling a long term illness. Ken’s family will cherish the memories and love that they shared with him. He coached many of their sports teams when they were young, encouraged their passion for baseball, football, and volleyball, and was their number one fan. His trips to Belize, Spain, France, and many visits to San Diego with his family were some of the highlights of his life. He was passionate about his faith and had a servant’s heart. Ken was a member of Hope Presbyterian Church and served on the board of directors for Concord Academy, a nonprofit junior and senior high school for children with special needs. He had been a volunteer coach for GYAA football. He was a dedicated fan of MUS and Houston High School sports, as well as the San Diego State University’s football and volleyball teams, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Vikings. He loved hunting and fishing and had a special gift as a talented photographer and artist. He lived his life to the fullest and his passionate spirit will live on with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed. Ken’s life will be celebrated on Friday, September 26th at Hope Presbyterian Church, 8500 Walnut Grove Rd., Cordova, TN. Visitation with family will be from 12:00-2:00 p.m. with a memorial service following visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations to Concord Academy, 4942 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN, 38117, would be a wonderful tribute to Ken’s life.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis TN 38119, “Behind the Stone Wall.”
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