Janice S. (Burkett) Novotny, 88, of Fremont, passed away Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at her home surrounded by family. She was born in 1937 in Alva, Oklahoma, to Paul and Dorotha (Clarke) Burkett.
Janice grew up at Alva and later attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. She married James E. Novotny July 25, 1956 in Enid, Oklahoma. They lived in Nebraska at Battle Creek, Wilber, and Fremont. She worked as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone and later as a secretary at several places including Midland Lutheran College in Fremont.
Janice was a member of Fremont Church of the Nazarene, Head Start teacher, gymnastic instructor at Sokol Hall and volunteered at church and was involved in their Bandage Brigade. She also loved to play cards, the ukulele, painting, wood burning, sewing, crafts and dancing.
Janice loved life and being around and sharing with family, friends and strangers.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Betty Cox and Judy White.
Survived by husband of 70 years, James Novotny of Fremont; daughters, Denise (Joe) Beckman of Alma, Michigan, Debbie (Brent) Carter of Topeka, Kansas, Diane (Greg) Soukup of Hooper, and Darci (Mark) Stromquist of Fremont; brother, Paul Burkett of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Fremont Church of the Nazarene. Condolences may be sent to Jim Novotny, 2949 Laverna St., Fremont, NE 68025.
Arrangements by Moser Memorial Chapels in Fremont.
