Louis M. Svoboda

Louis Mikle Svoboda died Friday, July 3, 2015 at the Golden Living Center in Columbus.

Louis enjoyed the outdoors, painting, jogging, music, dancing and singing with the Capital City Czech Choraliers. His greatest love was spoiling his grandchildren, family and his faith. Louis was a native Nebraskan. He was born on a farm home near Brainard, May 31, 1925, to John A. and Mary A. (Horacek) Svoboda. Louis was baptized, received his 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Brainard. He attended Brainard Schools, Yankee Hill District 78 School, and other post-secondary education, including UNO. Early interests were farming, auto mechanics, electronics/radio and flying. On March 11, 1944 he was united in marriage to Grace Ann Osmera at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, NE.

Louis was employed by Dvorak Motor Co. in Brainard, NE from 1949-1956 followed by Dale Electronics (Vishay) in Columbus, NE. In 1959 he joined the Nebraska State Patrol, proudly wearing badge number 202 for more than 26+ years. Trooper Svoboda served in the Nebraska State Patrol in a variety of capacities until his retirement in 1985. He retired as Captain of the NSP Communications Engineering Division, Lincoln, NE. Retirement was short-lived as Louis joined the University of Nebraska College of Architecture in 1986. During his tenure of more than 17 years, he was appointed Honorary Member of Psi Chapter of Tau Sigma Delta. In May of 2003, Louis retired from UNL.

Left to cherish Louis memory are his wife of 71 years, Grace Ann, of Columbus; 4 children and their spouses. His son Larry J. Svoboda, Houston, TX; daughters Shirley (Gordon) Olson of Oakland, NE, Bernice (Larry) Hergott of Columbus, NE, and Sharon (Reagan) Hinnant of McKinney, TX.

Louis is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Norman and Lorraine Osmera, Wahoo, NE; 10 grandchildren. Granddaughters Jami (Norman) Schoch, Traci Olson Finch, and Victoria Hinnant; grandsons Major Shawn (Suzie) Svoboda, Andrew (Kristi) Svoboda, Tom (Holly) Olson, David (Beth) Hergott, Steven (Laurie) Hergott, Adam Svoboda, and Captain Andrew R. Hinnant (Samantha), and 15 great-grandchildren; Kelli, Hunter and Travis Schoch, Alexis and Alyssa Finch, Tristen and Haley Olson, Anthony, Payton and Tyler Svoboda, Austyn and Jack Svoboda, and Elliott, Emilia and Lucinda Hergott and many nieces and nephews.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents, John A. Svoboda and Mary A. (Horacek) Svoboda, father and mother-in-law Theodore and Mary H. Osmera, brothers and sister-in-laws George and Alice Svoboda, Leon and Sue Svoboda; sisters and brother-in-laws Georgia and Hubert Smith and Delmer Hitchcock; Marcella and Emil Zima and Dallas Abbott, brother-in-law and sister-in-laws Howard and Betty Osmera, and Delores Osmera.

Memorials may be given to the family for future charitable designation.