Obituaries

Martha and Curt Bimschleger from Wheaton, IL

"We are so sad for your loss. He was a great man that influenced many lives. He will be missed!"

Bonnie and Dick Brunton from Batavia, IL

"On the soccer field or off, one of the classiest men we've known for the way he treated the kids. There aren't many like him. And as I told him many times, a great set of legs that he never covered up, spring, summer, fall or winter. Will miss you Chuck."

Mary Jean from Carol Stream, IL

"My deepest sympathies to you all. I am out of the country and not able to convey these condolences in person. I was fortunate to have worked with Chuck for many years at Leyden."

Sue& Dave Berry from St. Charles, IL

"We are so saddened by the loss of Chuck and will miss him so much on Larson Ave. We wish we were home to give hugs to you and the boys."

Alex E Jomarron from Chicago, IL

"I'm so sorry for your lost. Chuck was the Esl counselor when I taught that group. Always good humored, I enjoyed working with him. As our sons grew up we shared stories. He was very proud of his boys. As the news spreads on social media, I read of the tremendous impact he had on the student athletes. May happy memories help you in this time of loss. My deepest condolences."

Norma Thompson from Plainfield , IL

"So sad, I worked with Chuck at Leyden... great guy..."

John Lyons from Elgin, IL

"We are very sorry for your loss. We are keeping the Novotny family in our thoughts & prayers. We are friends of Joe and Stacy Novotny. Peace to all."

Bill Mitchell from Woodstock, IL

"“Coach” and I were the last two men in the counseling department at Leyden for ten years. His office door was directly across from mine and we would often co-counsel our students through our open office doors, most often with faux snarky or humorous comments made to enlighten and bring levity to a student in need. Coach was crusty about things that were worthy of it, and always quick to share his generous heart with students and staff alike. I am who I am because of Coach, and I know many hundreds who can say the very same. I love him like a brother. I challenge anyone to live their own life with the same bravery and heart. My dearest condolences to his boys and his wife. You are his greatest legacy. Bask in the warmth of your cherished memories of this true mountain of a man."

Jack Augusty from Elburn , IL

"It’s hard to loose one of our own. I went to Jr. High and High School with Chuck. He is a good man"

Rose Family from Franklin Park, IL

"Chuck was a wonderful person. We were fortunate to have Chuck counsel and coach our kids at Leyden. We also worked (and did AM workouts) with Chuck. Chuck will be missed.The Rose’s"

Brian Rose from Chicago, IL

"My condolences to the whole family. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Novotny as a soccer coach and I aided for him. He always had a big heart and wanted to help anyone he could, this included me."

Terry Rose from Franklin Park, IL

"Chuck was always so proud of his family and loved their ach"

Arthur Lindaman from Naperville, IL

"Chuck and I were friends in grade school. I heard about his passing from our high school alum group. All those included as well as myself have fond thoughts and memories about Chuck. He was a very kind and caring person. I wish I could have known him in the years after school. It sound like he was a great man. Sorry for your loss."

Jim Terrill-Liesz from Naples , FL

"Chuck was a terrific guy, great counselor, and led by example. I am so sorry that I am living out of state and unable to attend his services. I had the pleasure of working with him at Leyden for many years. Deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Schreiner Family from Franklin Park , IL

"Hey Coach, you will be missed. Our sons were lucky to have you as a soccer coach and a mentor. Praying for the Novotny family."

John Sievers from Rochester, MN

"I met Chuck several times when he came out to hear his son make music. I hope his example as a caring father is one I'll be able to follow in my own life. A man like this will be greatly missed in our world. I'm wishing peace and healing to all those he left behind, especially my friend and bandmate Nick."

Sergio Villasenor from Schiller Park, IL

"As my high school consoler, I still hold deep a small yet impactful question that he asked me when deciding what College to attend. "Do you want to be known by name or by number?" A small guidance that has had a huge impact on my life. My condolences."

Laura Richert from Poplar Grove , IL

"Terri I’m at a loss for words... Elizabeth just told me. The biggest hug being sent to you...💕"

Maria Vlassopoulos from Franklin Park , IL

"He was definitely a fighter, and didn’t give up with ease. I am so blessed that I was able to meet such a strong, intelligent, and sincere man who gave me the confidence and confirmation about who I was as a person. Without him, I honestly wouldn’t have made it out of HS. I am sorry for your loss, I hope you do gain some joy from all the lives he’s changed through his. He will forever live on."

Michael Grosch from AURORA, IL

"Those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Chuck know that the true legacy of this kind and gentle giant is the positive impact he had on us and on hundreds and hundreds of students’ lives. Rest in Peace Chuck."

Mayra Valenzuela from Franklin park , IL

"My sincere condolences to the family of Mr NOVOTNY.. he will be dearly missed.. one of the most amazing counselors I had in high school #classof 2011 #restinpeacemrnovotny"

Bryan Miller from Naperville, IL

"My thoughts and prayers are with Chuck's entire family. He was a first-class act all the way and he made a tremendous impact positively shaping lives for countless Leyden HS students in the classroom and on the field, alike."

Jim and Linda Thomas from Hanover Park, IL

"We are so sorry to hear about Chuck's passing. May God Bless the entire family during this time of loss."

Jamie Stern from New York, OK

"My most sincere condolences, thinking of you !"

timothy & karin peraino from Lemont, IL

"Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Chuck. We attended North Central College together and have many fond memories. May your family always cherish the smiles and laughter that Chuck brought to many faces and may he have perpetual rest. God bless!"

Aileen and Genesis Padilla from Franklin Park, IL

"Padilla sisters want to thank you for encouraging us to never give up on our education goals. With your help, we are doing better than ever. Aileen is bringing her Leyden Pride to CUC, hoping to make you proud. Thanks for all the laughs and advice you have given us while counseling. You’ve inspired many."

Recca Family from St. Charles, MO

"We only met Chuck on a few occasions as our sons lived together at the university for a couple of years. Chuck impressed me as a man who loved his family very much and was so proud of his sons. We are very sorry for your loss and will offer prayers for Chuck's soul. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."

Mike caputo from Chicago , IL

"My condolences to the novotny family chuck and I were good friends in the 60's and 70's playing sports and just being friends, great memories with Mr.novotny. God bless"

PETE MENZA from Carol Stream, IL

"I was at worked at Leyden with Chuck for 20 years, a great guy and Good friend. My deepest condolences to the family on your loss."

Tarkan Sengullu from Downers Grove, IL

"Very sad and heartbroken to hear the news this morning. Mr. Novotny was very kind and helpful to me in my four years at East Leyden HS. He was a great man that impacted the lives of so many. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones."

Barbara Cascio from Wood Dale, IL

"I am so very saddened by the loss of such a "Giant of a Man". I had the honor of working with Chuck when I came to East Leyden as the school liaison officer in 1994 for the Franklin Park Police Department. We continued our friendship when I returned to patrol and again when I retired and began sub teaching back at Leyden. Whenever I saw Chuck with that slow walk and funny smirk on his face as we came upon each other in the hallways, I knew we would both be laughing about something. He loved his family so much and cared deeply about each student he came in contact with. He is a true hero and I shall miss him dearly but I will never forget him. My deepest condolences to Terri, his boys and Chucks entire family. Retired Deputy Chief of Police Franklin Park Police Department Barbara Cascio"

Tiffany Johns-Denning from Carol Stream, IL

"I had the pleasure of getting to know Chuck when I first started teaching at Westfield right after college. Chuck always made the choice to help me out with my classroom. He was such a kind, thoughtful man who always put his family first. I feel so blessed to have gotten to work with him. Many blessings to his family....."

Marta Plewinski from Franklin Park, IL

"My deepest condolences to the family. I had the honor to have Mr. Novotny as my counselor at East Leyden and he was the one who inspired me to graduate a year early from high school and I did thanks to him. He always told me to never give up and that he saw my dedication. Mr. Novotny also counseled my mom, 2 aunts, and uncle when they were in high school. We all have great memories of Mr. Novotny. A great person! So sorry for your loss."

jerry Patt from Park Ridge, IL

"Chuck was simply an amazing person. The world, and especially Leyden, is better off having known Chuck. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Chuck made work fun by just being Chuck! He will be missed by all. He was a great man. I am honored to have known and worked with him for over twenty years."

Elise Roa from Franklin Park , IL

"My deepest condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of having Novotny as my soccer coach. I will never forget the memories we made and the impact he gave to all the players. He believed in all of us, not just as soccer players but also as students."

Kurt Schuett from Libertyville, IL

"Chuck was not only a great coaching mentor to me, but he always went the extra mile for many of my student-athletes. Over the years, Chuck always ensured girls' softball players who signed to play in college had an amazing experience, even going so far as providing framed copies of collegiate letters of intent for players to have as keepsakes. I am so very sorry for all of Chuck's family and friends; he truly was a legend to the Leyden community and beyond."

Alex Gutierrez from Franklin Park, IL

"My prayers are with you and family, I had the pleasure of having Mr. Novatny as my soccer coach and my guidance counselor. He helped guide me through high school and made sure I was always on the right path. I will forever be thankful for all the help that he gave me and my brothers as well. He always had the best attitude and could always make you laugh."

Risberg Family from West Chicago, IL

"Terri and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Carl Maronich from Bourbonnais, IL

"I am so sorry to learn of Chuck's passing. As a kid from the north side of Downers Grove who was interested in soccer in the mid and late '70s , I had to head south and learn the sport from Chuck's dad. I participated in DG Park District soccer clinics run by Mr. Novotny and got to play with Chuck and other Mustang soccer players of that legendary era. When North finally started a team we had some great rivalry games. I honestly don't recall the outcomes (I'd like to think North won, but we probably didn't). While I can't remember the outcome, I remember Chuck being a tough but gracious competitor. I played against Chuck twice in college, he was at North Central and I was at Marycrest College in Davenport, IA. Mr. and Mrs. Novotny came to the game in Iowa and one of my proudest college soccer moments was scoring a goal against Chuck's North Central team as his father watched. My pride was not in scoring on Chuck's team as much as it was having Mr. Novotny see that I paid attention during those drills and scrimmages on that big, dusty field in front of South High School all those years before. I wanted him to see his teaching was not wasted. Learning soccer from Mr. Novotny and playing against Chuck helped foster a love of the game and created memories I still carry. I have not seen or even thought of Chuck in decades, but seeing this news today both breaks my heart and brings back a time in my life that I remember with great joy. My heartfelt condolences to Chuck's family and all who cared for him."

Geri Dombrowski from River Grove, IL

"My sincere condolences to the entire family. I had the pleasure of working with Chuck in the Counselor's Office at East Leyden, taking over after "Frannie" retired. He was also a counselor to a niece and nephew of mine. He was a "fantastic" person and he will be sorely missed by all."

John Erickson from Salem, IL

"I just looked at my emails and was very shocked to learn of Chuck's passing. I didn't know Chuck was ill. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you, Terry and Family. I cherished my friendship with Chuck and Terry back in the Westfield days. May God be with you all, and again I'm just body slammed by the news."

Bryan Trullet from Lansing, MI

"My condolences to all his family. Chuck was a great friend to me growing up in junior high and high school at Downers Grove South. In class and playing together on the basketball teams, he was always a class act. My prayers are with you all."

Justyna Jablonska from Des Plains , IL

"When I was a student at Leyden I did not have Chuck as a counselor, but I would often hear my friends tell the tales of how awesome Mr. Novotny was. Instead, years later as a counselor myself, I had the privilege to call him a colleague and mentor. Chuck has touched thousands of lives throughout his career and there will never be another one like him. My sincere condolences to the entire Novotny Family."

Peggy Kasallis from Franklin Park, IL

"My heart is heavy with the loss of this incredible friend. I will forever hold dear the look on his face, with that half grin and twinkle in his eye, when he was about to tell a great story. I'm blessed to have known him. The family is in my prayers!"

Jaime from Oak Park, IL

"My since condolences to the entire family. Mr. Novotny was more than a counselor and soccer coach to many, he was our friend. He was always there to provide me with guidance when needed and helped me get into college. I will always be grateful for everything he did for me. He will be missed. Praying for the Novotny Family."

Barbara Gennardo from St. Charles, IL

"Terri, So sorry to hear of your husband's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers!"

Loralee Pearson from Bartlett, IL

"Terri I’m so very sorry to hear about Chuck! A fellow Westfield classmate posted this on our page and I was shocked to read it! You 2 were the sweetest young couple at Westfield and we kids all looked up to you both! He was such a cool guy and I recall when he was so smitten with you and we would tease him (and you) relentlessly. I have often wondered how and where you both were! He was a great guy then and I’m sure he was beyond wonderful! Sending my love to you and your boys .... Loralee (Itrich) Pearson"

Mindy Maves Dupee from Lake Zurich, IL

"I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Novotney’s passing. He had such a positive impact on me during my Westfield years as my home room teacher and social studies. His humor and compassion for everyone will be remembered always. My prayers are with you and your family."

Matt Hedman from Schaumburg, IL

"From a former student at Westfield Jr. High my condolences to the Novotny and Otter family is sure he will be missed by many."

Dawn Mikulski Kempf from Cary, IL

"Mr. Novotny was such a positive influence during my teenage years and my memories of him are unforgettable, especially the weekly current events. I’m so sad to hear of his passing, my deepest condolences another one of my wonderful teachers, “Ms Otten.” Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time."