Elaine Novotny, 77, Dickinson, died Friday, September 25, 2026 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Elaine’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, October 2, 2026 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Robert Shea as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. There will be a rosary & vigil at 6 p.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with Deacon Bob Zent presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday.
Elaine M. Novotny was born February 4, 1949 in Dickinson, the daughter of Jerome “Harry” and Elizabeth (Kuntz) Heidt. She was raised on the family farm in her younger years, and then in the spring of 1961, when her family moved to Dickinson, she attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School for her education. She was a graduate of Dickinson High School.
Elaine married her “one and only” Earl Novotny, September 27, 1969 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson. They welcomed their daughter, Melissa, in 1979. Elaine worked as a Certified Nurse Aide at St. Luke’s Nursing Home in Dickinson for many years.
Elaine enjoyed walking and staying active. She walked many miles in Dickinson, and many people would recognize her as she was out and about. She was an avid Los Angeles Lakers fan and was always up for a discussion about the game. Elaine’s absolute greatest joy was spending time with her grandsons, Ethan and Jackson. She loved watching and attending all of their activities.
Elaine was a gentle soul. She will be remembered for her sweet smile and kind demeanor. She was a great listener, loved company and always had a cookie and a hug for anyone who visited. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend and will be missed dearly.
Her last several months were spent at St. Benedict’s Health Center in Dickinson, where she fought a courageous battle with cancer. She was so blessed for the wonderful care that she received and friends that she made there.
Elaine is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Aaron) Stoltz, Dickinson; grandsons, Ethan Stoltz and Jackson Stoltz, Dickinson; two brothers, David Heidt (Cindy Dvorak), Dickinson and Dennis Heidt (Amy Reimche), Billings, MT; two sisters, Shirley Smith, Canyon Lake, TX, Jackie Schlinger, Mandan; one sister-in-law, Joan Heidt, Moxee, WA; one brother-in-law, Ron Herauf; and many special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her parents; brothers, Jerry Heidt and Melvin Heidt; sister, Alvina Herauf; sister-in-law, Diane Heidt; brothers-in-law, David Smith, Dwaine Stroh, and Ron Schlinger; niece, Shelle Butschek; and nephew, Ryan Berger.
