Romane L. Votava, 93, Minot, died Tuesday, April 2, 2013 in a Minot hospital.

Romane was born September 6, 1919, near Pisek, ND to Frank and Barbara (Hodny) Votava. He was educated in country schools in the area and reared on the family farm.

Romane was joined in holy marriage to Ermil Wood on November 27, 1942 in Grafton. They resided in Fordville, ND where they were blessed with two sons, Richard and Larry. He was employed at O&M Elevator in Fordville as the manager for almost 10 years.

They followed his career in the grain industry with a move to Minot in 1958. For the next thirty years he worked as an elevator manager, grain buyer and grain merchandiser for O&M, McMillan Company, ConAgra, Burdick Grain, and Peavey ConAgra until his retirement in 1987.

Romane's love for family was endless and unconditional. In his spare time Romane could be found enjoying the outdoors with his sons and grandsons. Fall was a much anticipated time of year, hunting was a passion that the entire family enjoyed from the first scouting trip to the final touches of game cleaning a preparation. Douglas Bay on Lake Sakakawea provided a cabin getaway and many fishing memories still being made by the family today. It was not a secret that he was an avid gardener. Every year, he would plant a large garden full of flowers and produce for Ermil, family and many friends. They enjoyed dancing at the Elks Lodge on many Friday and Saturday evenings and occasionally he would sing Bohemian with Hal's Quartet.

Romane and Ermil enjoyed bringing family and friends together for holidays and special occasions, time we will never forget and will carry on in tradition.

Ermil passed away in 2003.

Romane was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Eagle's Aerie, Elk's and Moose Lodges, and the Czech Heritage Club, all of Minot. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

His loving family includes, sons, Richard and Larry Votava, both of Minot; grandsons, Jason (Mary Beth) Votava and Jon Votava, both of Minot; great-grandchildren, Jayden and Marissa Votava and Tayten Votava; sister, Loretta Votava, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and brother, Leonard (Marlene) Votava, Fargo, ND and numerous nieces and nephews.

Romane was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister, Patricia, sister, Irene Benson, brothers, Frank and Stanley Votava and daughter-in-laws, Ann and June Votava.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2013 at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND, later in 2013
Visitation: Sunday, April 7, 2013, from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.