Lawrence "Larry" Alvin Novotny Sr.

LAWRENCE “LARRY” ALVIN NOVOTNY SR., age 76 of Montgomery, died on the morning of Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at his home.

Larry was born in New Prague on March 3, 1949, to parents Alvin and Marcella (Valek) Novotny. He went to school in Montgomery and graduated with the class of 1967. On October 12, 1968, he was united in marriage to Alice Mahowald at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. Over the years Larry worked at the Montgomery Sod Company, was a garbage truck driver and later a gravel truck driver, and worked at MVE Biological Solutions in New Prague. Many people knew him, though, as the owner and operator of Novotny’s Sports Shop that he and his wife operated for thirteen years. It is impossible to think about Larry without thinking about polka music. “Larry the Canary” began playing concertina at the age of eleven… and continued to play for sixty-four years. The Novotny Trio Band as well as Larry’s One-Man Band performed live throughout southern Minnesota and the Midwest, were often featured on KCHK and other radio stations, were a household name in polka circles, and Larry was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame! His passion for music (and his love of fishing) continued until the day he passed. He was a member of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, and his presence will be sorely missed.

Larry is survived by five children, Lora Novotny (Darren Bastyr) of Montgomery, Lisa (John) Hodges of New Prague, Larry Novotny (Steph Brockway) of Montgomery, Kevin Novotny of Montgomery, and Mark Novotny (Krystal Hamele) of Montgomery; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four siblings, Connie (Roger) Meyer of New Prague, Chris (Dan) Segna of Montgomery, John (Madonna) Novotny of New Prague, and Dave (Jean) Novotny of New Prague; and a special friend, Mary Kotek. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 49 years; a sister, Kathy Turek; and a great-great grandchild, Kai Roe.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, and will continue for one hour before the Funeral Mass at the Church on Wednesday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, with Father Timothy Sandquist officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Montgomery. Schoenbauer Funeral Home in Montgomery is handling the arrangements.