Zeena M. Novotny, 82, of Eau Claire, died Thursday, April 7, 2011, after a brave struggle with kidney disease and leukemia. \r\nShe was born in Chicago, IL on June 1, 1928, daughter of Edward and Bertha (Ostwald) Amend. \r\nShe married Robert "Bob" Novotny on June 17, 1950, in Perry, OK. They lived in Racine prior to moving to Eau Claire in 1952. \r\nZeena received her undergraduate degree in zoology and chemistry from Oklahoma State University. She earned her masters degree from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. For over 20 years Zeena taught science in Eau Claire area schools. Her love for music found expression in playing piano from the age of 5, 17 years as a church organist and years of attending Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts and Minnesota Opera productions. Zeena was an avid cross-country skier and twice won the American Birkebeiner in her age group. She also was the first woman in Eau Claire to be recognized for swimming 50 miles at the YMCA. Zeena loved all things outdoors. She and Bob together enjoyed back packing, camping and many international travel adventures in their 48 years of marriage \r\nZeena was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Clearwater Kiwanis, Up-hill Ski Club, Ski Striders, Sierra Club and several book clubs. \r\nZeena is survived by her daughters, Linda Smrokowski of Chicago, IL, Teressa (Jack Hillyard) Novotny of Camp Hill, PA and Lisa (Mark Flaten) Novotny of Golden Valley, MN; nine grandchildren, Dan, Stefanie and Caroline Smrokowski, Caitlin, Brennan and Ry Hillyard, and Nick, Natalya and Kyla Flaten; brother Edward (Dalila) Amend of Cedar Falls, IA and nieces, nephews and friends. \r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents and husband Bob. \r\nZeena will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. \r\nMemorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Trinity Lutheran Church 1314 E. Lexington Blvd. in Eau Claire with Pastor Kurt M. Jacobson officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire and also one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church. \r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to the National Kidney Foundation or Kiwanis International - Eau Claire Chapter. \r\n\r\n

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