LeRoy F. Novy, age 84, a resident of Manitowoc, entered into eternal life with his wife, Joyce, by his side on Christmas morning, December 25, 2022, at Frontida Assisted Living.
LeRoy was born on May 21, 1938 in Kellnersville to the late Victor and Laura (Shanda) Novy Sr. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1956. On October 18, 1958, he married the former Joyce Cherney at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Manitowoc, and they went on to share the next 64 years together. LeRoy’s strong work ethic led him to several jobs, including a sales route for the Jewel Tea Company, service and vending manager for Berkedal & Shimek, and finally to Manitowoc Ice, where he retired as a supervisor in 1999. After retirement, LeRoy was asked to return to Manitowoc Ice as a consultant to assist with a project. After that, his gift of gab and sense of humor served him well as a courtesy driver for Maritime Ford.
In his earlier years, LeRoy enjoyed playing cribbage, dartball, golf, and the annual deer hunting trips up north. Over the years, many games of Poker, Sheepshead and dice games took place at the kitchen table. LeRoy was quite a handyman and will be remembered for his willingness to always lend a helping hand. Throughout the years his interests led to family adventures, including a boating trip on the Mississippi River, an RV trip to California, camping trips, many motorcycle rides on his Honda Goldwing, and road trips in his antique cars. Closer to home, many special memories were made at Clark Lake in Door County, where the family spent many vacations boating, fishing and just enjoying each other’s company. LeRoy was a lifetime member of the Manitowoc Yacht Club and a member of the Spare Tire Antique Car Club for many years. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi where he volunteered as an usher.
LeRoy’s granddaughters and great-granddaughters meant the world to him, and he smiled ear to ear whenever he saw them. After all those girls, just seven months ago, he was so happy to welcome a great-grandson to the family.
Survivors include LeRoy’s wife of 64 years, Joyce; daughter, Vicki (Steve) Grant, Manitowoc; two granddaughters, Nicole (John) Wolff, Grafton, and Maria Grant (significant other Sean Daniels) Blackwood, NJ; five great grandchildren, Gretchen Wolff, Ingrid Wolff, Luisa Wolff, Zoey Daniels, and Sean Daniels Jr.; a sister, Darlene Lyons, Appleton; four sisters-in-law, Phyllis Novy, Manitowoc, Sharon Cisler, Denmark, Joan (Roger) Thielen, Marion, Cathy Cherney, Manitowoc; a brother-in-law, Joseph (Sheila) Cherney, Manitowoc; Goddaughters Lisa (Joe) Schaetz, Maribel, Traci (Wes) Bausch, Hoover, AL, Carol Jean (Richard) DeGroot, Green Bay; Godson Bill (Lisa) Loberger, Maribel; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Laura Novy Sr.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Marguerite Cherney; two brothers, Donald Novy and Victor Novy Jr.; infant sister, Mary Ann Novy; three brothers-in-law Cliff Lyons, George Cisler, and Randy Cherney; sister-in-law LaVerne Jorgensen; Godson David Cisler; nieces and nephews Keith Novy, Sharri Wegener, David Lyons, Donald Cisler, Timmy Thielen, Tina Gaffey.
In respect of LeRoy’s wishes, private memorial services were held at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home with Deacon Rich Bahnaman officiating. Cremation took place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with entombment of LeRoy’s cremated remains at Knollwood Mausoleum. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
LeRoy’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staffs of Frontida Assisted Living and ProMedica Hospice for all the care and compassion they provided to LeRoy.
“Life must end but our love for you doesn’t dad – until we see you again.”
Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc assisted the family with funeral arrangements.
