Janet F. Novotny

Janet F. Novotny, 75, of Cochrane, died on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at Mayo Clinic Health System- Eau Claire.
Janet was born on October 15, 1946, in Winona, MN to William and Florence (Gahnz) Staak. She attended Cochrane-Fountain City Schools and earned top honors in her graduating class as well as being chosen for majorette in the band. After graduation, Janet worked as a receptionist for the Health and Human Services department for many years. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Steven Novotny, and together the couple enjoyed many years together traveling and living in different areas of the Dakotas while Steve worked as a cattle buyer and for an outback. Janet and Steve moved back to the Chippewa area, where they owned and operated the Village Inn in Sheldon until Steve’s passing in 1994. Janet then moved back to the home farm where she took on the role of caring for her mother. She loved to collect recipes for cooking and baking, crocheting, arranging flowers, and gardening with her granddaughter, Shayla. She also enjoyed riding horses, listening to country and classic rock music, talking, and spending time with her grandchildren. We will miss our “Little Grandma” and cherish the memories in our hearts forever.
Janet is survived by her son: John Breen of Cochrane; grandchildren: Ashley Willmarth, Shayla Breen, and Aryan Breen; brother: James (Roberta) Staak of Cochrane; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Steve; and step-daughter: Angie Novotny.
A funeral service for Janet were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Christ Lutheran Church in Cochrane with Pastor Mark Wilde officiating. Family and friends were invited for visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Burial was in the Buffalo City Public Cemetery. To express condolences to her family online, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.