Elwood, Nebraska

Martin J. Svoboda, age 87, of Holdrege, Nebraska, formerly of Elwood, Nebraska passed away on Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Phelps Memorial Hospital in Holdrege, Nebraska. He was born on November 15, 1924 at Wahoo, Nebraska to Joseph & Barbara (Benes) Svoboda.

He attended school at Valparaiso High School, in Valparaiso, Nebraska and graduated with the class of 1941. After his schooling, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp. and served in Saipan-Tinian, Marianas & Volcano Islands, & Iwo Jima. Upon his discharge, he would further his education at Peru State College where he also played basketball. He received his bachelor's in education from Peru State in 1949, and embarked on a 38 year career in education. He later received his masters and school administration educational specialist degrees from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He married Laura M. Siel on June 1, 1950 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in York, Nebraska. In 1951 he has the Principal at Benedict Public Schools in Benedict, Nebraska. He would teach and coach grades 7 thru 12 in Nebraska, Iowa, & Arizona. After teaching and being Principal in Phoenix, Arizona, he came back to be a Principal at Tri County High School, near DeWitt, Nebraska, and then was Superintendent at Burwell, Nebraska for 9 years and Eustis, Nebraska for 11 years. He would retire in 1987 and moved to Elwood, Nebraska while his wife continued to teach. His wife would pass away on March 24, 2008. Martin would then move to Holdrege to be closer to family.

He was a member of the St. John's Catholic Church in Smithfield, Nebraska, and a  VFW & American Legion member. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to see his grandchildren, working on the family farm back in Riverton, Nebraska & reading the newspaper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Laura, grandson Steven M. Lange, brothers Charles and Joe Svoboda, sisters Agnes Reno & Carolyn Jochim.

He is survived by his sons: Martin J. II and wife Judith Svoboda of Fayetteville, Arkansas

                                        Thomas & wife Marlene Svoboda of McCook, Nebraska

                                         Michael & wife Cindy Svoboda of Missoula, Montana

                                         Daniel & wife Cindy Svoboda of Holdrege, Nebraska

                                         Ronald & wife Lee Ann Svoboda of Fort Myer, Florida

                          Daughter: Katherine & husband Duane Lange of Ord, Nebraska

                Brother-In-Law: Jack & Velma Siel of Franklin, Nebraska

                Grandchildren: 20         Great Grandchildren: 21

Condolences and personal reflections maybe left at elwoodfuneralhome.com

Viewing & visitation will be Thursday, October 4, 2012 from 10 AM till 5 PM at Elwood Funeral Home, Elwood, Nebraska. Rosary will be recited on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 7 PM at St. John's Catholic Church in Smithfield, Nebraska. Funeral Mass will be Friday, October 5, 2012 at 10 AM at St. John's Catholic Church in Smithfield, Nebraska with Father Thomas Lux, officiating. Interment will be Friday, October 5, 2012 at 2:30 PM at Riverton Cemetery, Riverton, Nebraska with military rites given by the Nebraska Honor Guard. Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements