Anita J. Svoboda

Anita Svoboda, 94, of David City, passed away Friday, June 16, 2023 at St. Joseph's Villa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, June 21, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in David City. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. PCCW Rosary all at the church. Visitation will resume Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, David City with lunch following at the David City Auditorium. Chermok Funeral Home is handling arrangements for Anita’s family.

Memorials may be directed to Mass Offerings or Family's Choice.

Anita J. (Ratkovec) Svoboda was born November 29, 1928 at her home near Rising City, Nebraska to Joseph and Antonie (Kastl) Ratkovec. Anita was a lifelong member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in David City. Anita attended the Holy Trinity Catholic School in Brainard through the 3rd grade. Anita and her two sisters stayed Sunday through Friday at the school. Anita also attended Summit District 88 Country School from 4th through 8th Grade. She attended and graduated from David City High School.

Anita met Leander at a Halloween dance. They enjoyed polka music and dancing. Anita and
her sister, Martha, were married in a double wedding ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church
March 30, 1948. They were married for 64 years until Leander passed away in 2012.
Anita and Leander lived on a farm near David City where they raised cattle and grain crops.
Eight children were born to this union. Anita enjoyed working with Leander, doing chores and
helping with farm duties. She also raised a large garden. Anita canned fruit and vegetables,
baked rolls and kolaches as well as many other baked goods and enjoyed embroidering tea
towels, pillowcases, and quilt squares.

Anita and Leander enjoyed following their children and grandchildren’s sporting events and
races whenever they could. Family gatherings were always special. Anita lived on the farm
until she was 93 years old.

Anita is survived by Daughters, Carol (Mike) Svatora of Newark, Ohio, Patty Egger of
Martell,Nebr., Marilyn (Bruce) Schmit of Bellwood, Nebr., Sharon (Cork) DeWispelare of David
City, Nebr, and Diane (Tim) Kozisek, of David City, Nebr. Sons, Tom (Deb) Svoboda of David City,
Nebr. and Ron Svoboda of York, Nebr. Daughter in law, Beth Svoboda of St. Paul, Nebr. and
many grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great, great, grandchild. Anita is survived by
her sister, Martha Sabata of David City, Nebr. and her sister in law and brother in law Henrietta
and Fred Benesch of Octavia, Nebr.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Ken Svoboda, infant daughter, Mary, son in law Mike Egger, grandson Tad DeWispelare, brother Quentin Ratkovec, sister, Mary Sabata, brothers in law
Tony and John Sabata.