Yvonne, my mother-in-law's maiden name was Novotny. As you know, the name is a very common one. My mother-in-law, Ann Therese Novotny, was born in Cleveland OH, 3/20/1916 and died in January 1979 in Vermilion, OH. It has been said that her father's name was Anton J. Novotny. Anton is said to have married Karolina Hudimac (1889-1966). Ann was the eldest of four children of whom only Mary Margaret Windau (nee Novotny) is yet alive. Emil Novotny and his two sisters, Ann and Emily both passed to their reward, several years ago. For further information, may I refer you to the
www.ellisisland.org web site. There are a number of Novotnys who settled in the Chicago, IL area. Good luck!
Ray MacFarlane
Thiensville, WI