John Thomas Novy, 60, of Greenfield

Open Visitation: Will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Family Visitation: The family will greet friends on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com. 

Celebration of Life: Will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Lamb Funeral Home in Fontanelle. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield. 

Memorials: John would appreciate any memorial contributions be sent in his honor to Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Inc. 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50313-2528 or St. John’s Catholic Church, 303 N.E. Elm Street, Greenfield, Iowa 50849. 

John Thomas Novy passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 9, 2024.  

John T. was born in Guthrie Center, Iowa on August 19, 1964, the 7th child in the family.  

The family moved to Greenfield in 1966. He attended Greenfield schools where he participated in Scouts, Wrestling, FFA among other activities. John graduated from Greenfield High School with the class of 1982. He went on to study at Southwest Community College in Creston, Iowa. From there, John moved to the Denver, Colorado area which he called home for 30 years. Colorado was a favorite place for John. He loved the mountains and the great outdoors. After his time in Colorado, John moved to Dighton, Kansas for a job with the county. As his parents advanced in age, John moved back to Greenfield to be closer to them in their final years. 

John appreciated all kinds of music. He was an avid listener enjoying concerts and live music; he was a self-taught musician including the guitar and drums. John was a member of several garage bands and played gigs at small venues in the Denver area. He sang karaoke and had many memorable performances with his brothers (The Soggy Bottom Boys) at the Greenfield Bowling Alley during family holiday get-togethers. He enjoyed time with friends and family on the front porch, around the table or a bonfire telling stories and drinking beers. John participated in many extended family road trips including the annual Labor Day canoe trip with his family and cousins. John was a great brother and was a central character in so many of our family stories. John didn't ask or expect a lot out of anybody. He always took care of himself but was appreciative of a helping hand when it was extended to him. He also stepped up to help his friends and neighbors after the tornado hit Greenfield, lending a hand wherever he could. We will miss him and remember him fondly. He was a great listener, a quiet and simple man. 

John was preceded in death by his parents John L. and Jean M. (Jennings) Novy and his beloved dog, Melissa.  

He is survived by his 11 brothers and sisters, their spouses, many nieces & nephews and friends.