Svoboda Funeral Home, 211 N Linden Street, Wahoo, NE (2026)

02/26/2026

Helen R. Eller, 99, of Valparaiso, NE, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at South Haven Living Center in Wahoo, NE. She was born July 24, 1926 in Brainard, NE to Louis and Marie (Bovslasky) Kotera. Helen attended country school in rural Bee, NE and she attended Dwight Assumption Catholic High School. On November 23, 1949, she was united in marriage to Ray Eller at Dwight Assumption Catholic Church in Dwight, NE.

Through the years, Helen worked for D & L Manufacturing in Columbus, housekeeper, The Sandbar in Linwood, the North Bend mini-mart, Didiers Grocer in Schuyler and The Val Market.
She enjoyed baking, flowers, her pets, cake decorating and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed selling her kolaches at the farmer’s market. Helen was a member of Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church and the Linwood Women’s Club.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Ray) Heavican and John Eller; grandchildren, Rachelle (Dan) Benkusky, Summer (Jason) Ekstein, Amber (Matt) Cole, Andrew Heavican and Macie (fiancé, Josh Kern) Rousselle; great-grandchildren, Bella, Elijah and Boone Benkusky, Bryson Benes, Kellan Cole, Archer and Kip Kern; many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Eller; daughter, Janet Fernald; parents, Louis and Marie Kotera; siblings, Louis (Marie) Kotera, Ernie (Dorothy) Kotera, Rose (Joe) Furasek and Ed Kotera.

Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday (3/4/2026) 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church, 637 Iver St., Valparaiso, NE.
Celebrant, Rev. Matthew Zimmer.
Visitation, Wednesday 10-11 a.m. with a 10:30 a.m. Rosary all at Church.
Private Interment at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, Abie, NE.

Memorials in care of the family for future designation.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

02/18/2026

Gary L. Ruzek, 80, of Wahoo, NE, peacefully entered into rest on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at CHI Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha, NE. He was born April 27, 1945 in Wahoo, NE to Frank and Marie (Novak) Ruzek. Gary graduated from Wahoo High School in 1963. He worked in manufacturing and most recently as a beloved custodian at Wahoo Elementary for 24 years, from where countless former students remember him fondly. Gary retired in 2008.

Gary was a kind, humble, and quietly generous man. He enjoyed anonymous gift-giving, and loved playing the role of secret Santa for many friends and families over the years. Gary was a passionate supporter of the VFW Toy Drive, Wahoo Fire Department, and many different charitable organizations. He was a cancer survivor, so supporting cancer charities had a special place in his heart. Gary also established a memorial scholarship fund at Wahoo High School, so his legacy will live on for decades to come.

Gary is survived by his nephews, Steven Edmunds of Wichita, KS, and Scott (Elaine) Edmunds of St. Louis, MO; step-children Patricia (Dave) Pafford, David (Corrina) Boles, Edward Boles, Amy (Terry) Neill, and Angela (Chris) Stuart; other family members, and countless friends he loved as family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marie Ruzek; and sister, Lorraine (Marvin) Edmunds.

Funeral Service, Tuesday (2/24/2026) 10:00 a.m. at Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE.
Visitation, Monday (2/23/2026) 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Svoboda Funeral Home.
Interment at Sunrise North Cemetery, Wahoo, NE.

Memorials to VFW Toy Drive or Wahoo Fire Department.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

02/09/2026

Doris Ann Petrzilka, 87 of Lincoln, NE entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at South Haven Living Center in Wahoo, NE. She was born September 26, 1938 on the family homestead in-between Ceresco and Valparaiso, NE to Louis and Irene (Zetocha) Tvrdy. She attended District #49 Country School in the Rock Creek Township and graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1955. She furthered her education at Midland College in Fremont, NE earning a teaching degree and eventually teaching at her home school District #49. She also worked at Lamson Brothers in Lincoln, Campell Soup Plant in Tecumseh and at Goodyear for over 30 years.

Doris Ann was united in marriage to Gene Petrzilka on June 25, 1957 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Valparaiso, NE. She loved to travel and she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, Sudoku puzzles, Candy Crush, handwriting and coloring. Doris Ann was a member of North American Martyrs Catholic Church in Lincoln, NE.

Doris Ann is survived by her children, Steven (Becky) Petrzilka of Ceresco, NE and DeAnna (Jayde) Knox of Waverly, NE; grandchildren, Joshua Petrzilka, Elizabeth Petrzilka, Jacob Petrzilka and Nathaniel Knox; brothers, Kenneth (Patricia) Tvrdy and Richard (Jean) Tvrdy; nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gene Petrzilka; parents, Louis and Irene Tvrdy; infant son, John Petrzilka.

Mass of Christian Burial, Friday (2/13/26) 10:30 am at Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Valparaiso, NE.
Visitation, Thursday (2/12/26) 5-7pm with a 7:00 pm Rosary all at the church.
Interment at Calvary Cemetery in Lincoln, NE.

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

02/05/2026

Raymond M. Brabec, 65, of Yutan, NE, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at the Columbus Community Hospital in Columbus, NE. He was born June 11, 1960 in Kenedy, TX to Richard and Wilma (Voges) Brabec. Raymond graduated from Mead High School in 1978 and he received an associate’s degree in autobody from Milford Community College.

Raymond was an owner and operator of RMB Trucking and for the past 10 years he drove for Bergman Trucking. He enjoyed long trips on his motorcycle and spending time with his four granddaughters. He also enjoyed western movies, drag racing and tinkering in his brother’s shop.

He is survived by son, Justin (Ambrey) Brabec; grandchildren, Jacie, Braelyn, Norah and Brooks “Brutus”; mother, Wilma Brabec; siblings, Richard S. (Shelli) Brabec, Theresa (Ricky) Hull, Denise (Sam) Requenez, Bubba (Marie Scott) Brabec, Angela (Kerry) Knuth, Ann (Ken) Braun, Amy (Ryan) Martin and Andrew (Tessa) Brabec; many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Brabec; brother, David Brabec; sister-in-law, Paula Brabec; niece, Whitney Brabec.

Mass of Christian Burial, Monday (2/9/2026) 10:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 213 E. 8th St., Mead, NE.
Celebrant, Rev. Steven Mills.
Visitation, Sunday (2/8/2026) 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Mead, NE.
Interment at Morningside Cemetery, Mead, NE.

Memorials in care of the family for future designation.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

02/04/2026

Janice A. Matulka, 88 of Valparaiso, NE entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at her home in Valparaiso, NE. She was born February 2, 1938 in rural Weston, NE to Edward and Antonette “Toni” ( Pekarek) Kliment. She grew up on a farm near Weston and graduated from Valparaiso High School. On August 16, 1955 she was united in marriage to Lawrence Matulka at St. Vitus Catholic Church in Touhy, NE. From this union five children were born, Robin, Randall, Larry, David, and DeAnn.

Janice was a member of Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church and American Legion Post #371 Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers and listening to Polka music.

Janice is survived by her children, Robin (Mark) Ethridge, Randall (Mariann) Matulka, Larry (Sharlene) Matulka, David (Soyna) Matulka and DeAnn Matulka. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Patrick, Russell, Brian, Nicole, Dawn, Jessica, Crystal, Jason, Ryan, Jestina, Derek, Kyle, Kody and Kara; 25 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Matulka of 63 years; parents, Edward and Antonette Kliment; twin sister, Janet (John) Prochaska and sister, Romona (Lou) Hotovy; parents-in-law, Peter Sr. & Adeline Matulka.

Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday (2/7/26) 10:00 am at Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Valparaiso, NE
Visitation, Friday (2/6/26) 5-7 pm with a 7:00 pm Rosary all at the church
Interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Valparaiso, NE.

Memorials to in care of the family for future designation or in the form of masses.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

01/23/2026

Nahla Deanne “Nonikins” Webster of Lincoln, NE was born December 7, 2011 and entered into rest January 20, 2026.

She is survived by her mother, Nicole Stoakes, her father, Leonard Webster, her grandmothers Evelyn Gail Webster and Bonna Stoakes, her siblings Alyiah, Sally, Halle, Chauncey, Makhi, Sage, Jamar, Tanjinque, and Aariq, and so many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by grandfather’s Charles Stoakes and Leonard Mitchell and brother Elias Webster.

Nahla attended Pyrtle Elementary, Lux and Dawes Middle schools until this last year when she opted to go to attend 8th grade online.

Nahla’s mom was overjoyed when she learned she was pregnant with her first child. Nahla was due January 29, 2012 but she had different plans. Her mother’s water broke on September 26, 2011. She was told Nahla would probably not survive but Nahla stayed in mommy’s tummy while she was on bed rest until she was delivered December 7, 2011. Nahla was a fighter and a survivor. Her mother and all who loved her are so grateful for the 14 years of memories, love and laughter they got with her.

Nahla was an old soul with a kind spirit. She was clever and intelligent. She loved to do her nails, hair and makeup, and even though mom opposed, give her self piercings. She loved to do other people’s hair and makeup too and was a pro at putting on false eyelashes. She was so creative and talented. She also loved road trips, staying in hotels, water parks, and sleepovers with sisters and friends. Nahla’s mom loved walking into her room and seeing 2-6 girls in there laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Nahla had a deep love for animals and was often hoarding all 4 of the family pets in her room. She is loved and will be missed by many!

Funeral Service, Monday, January 26, 2026, 11:00 am at Svoboda Funeral Home in Wahoo, NE.

Visitation, Monday, January 26, 2026, 10-11 am at the funeral home.
At this very difficult and unexpected time donations to the family are very much appreciated.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

01/19/2026

Lee R. Quick, 83, of Ceresco, NE, entered into rest on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at his home in rural Ceresco, NE. He was born August 4, 1942 in Lincoln, NE to Leroy and Iva (Wedberg) Quick. Lee graduated from Ceresco High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army until he was honorably discharged.

Lee was a lifelong farmer and he raised livestock. He was a 50-year member of the Saunders County Livestock Association. He was also a member of the Ceresco American Legion Post #244, the Nebraska Cattlemen and Comet Lodge #229 AF & AM Masonic Lodge. Lee was always looking to socialize with family and friends. He was a regular at several coffee groups around the county. Lee enjoyed spending time with his daughter on the farm riding horses. He also enjoyed serving as a team penning judge. He was known for having a few one liners like “Glad you could see me” or if you asked his age he would respond, “Doesn’t Matter”.

He is survived by granddaughters, Alexis (fiancé, Mitchell Shukis) Kess and Autumn Kess; great-grandchildren, Lakynn and Lawson Shukis; specials friends, Brittany Koranda and Waylon Thompson; many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise Quick; parents, Leroy and Iva Quick; sisters, Phyllis McGill and Patricia Stark; brothers-in-law, Larry Stark and Stanley McGill.

Funeral Service, Saturday (1/24/2026) 10:00 a.m. at Ceresco United Methodist Church, 421 N. 2nd St., Ceresco, NE.
Officiant, Rev. Greg Reed.
Visitation, Friday (1/23/2026) 5-7 p.m. at Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE.
Interment at Mt. Zion/Rock Creek Cemetery, Ceresco, NE.

Memorials in care of the family for future designation.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

01/13/2026

Henry J. Machacek, Jr., 86, of Crete, NE, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Tabitha - The Gardens Assisted Living in Crete, NE. He was born November 23, 1939 in Weston, NE to Henry Sr. and Tillie (Buresh) Machacek. Henry graduated from Bishop Neumann High School. He attended the seminary in Lisle, IL for six years. Henry served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Collins, CO, until he was honorably discharged in 1966. Following his time in the U.S. Army, Henry went to work for the railroad.

He is survived by brother, Richard (Marilyn) Machacek; sister, Sr. Mary Jane Machacek; sister-in-law, Beverly Machacek; many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Sr. and Tillie Machacek; brothers, Robert Machacek and Ronald Machacek; sister, Loretta D’Vor.

Mass of Christian Burial, Friday (1/16/2026) 11:00 a.m. at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 130 Front St., Weston, NE.
Celebrant, Rev. Matthew Vandewalle.
Visitation, Friday 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. all at Church.
Interment with military honors at St. John Cemetery, Weston, NE.

Memorials to St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Weston, NE.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Arrangements by Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE

01/13/2026

Kelly Dailey Funeral Mass

01/12/2026

Adelyne M. Koranda, 98, of Wahoo, NE passed away peacefully Saturday, January 10, 2026 at South Haven Living Center in Wahoo, NE. Adelyne was born Oct. 17, 1927 in Prague, NE to James F. and Adela (Prochaska) Sloup. She attended St. John Catholic School in Prague and graduated from Prague High School in 1945. She attended Midland College, after which she taught in a rural school. She then worked at the Mead Ordnance Plant Hospital in medical records.

Adelyne was the organist at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Prague for 14 years. On Sept. 9, 1953, she married Roland Koranda in Prague, NE. Her brother, Rev. Ernest Sloup, who was ordained two months earlier, officiated their wedding. They were members of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Plasi, NE, where she was organist for 28 years and a member of the Rosary Society.
They moved to Wahoo in 2001 and were members of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women and the St. Ludmilla’s Guild.

She is survived by her children, Carol Koranda of Lincoln and Janet Koranda of Fremont, and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Roland (2021), her brothers and sisters-in law, James W. and Marie Sloup, Rev. Ernest Sloup, and Adolph and Marcie Sloup, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Emil and Geraldine Egr, nephews, Gerald Sloup, Paul Sloup, Rick Egr, nieces, Theresa (Sloup) Retzlaff, Pat (Egr) Draper, and infant nephew, Joseph Sloup.

Mass of Christian Burial, Monday (1/19/26) 10 am at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wahoo.
Visitation, Sunday (1/18/26) 3-5 pm with a 5:00 pm Rosary all at Svoboda Funeral Home in Wahoo.
Interment at St. Francis Cemetery in Wahoo.

Memorials to St. Wenceslaus Church, Bishop Neumann High School or to the family.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

01/12/2026

Maggie Prochaska Funeral

01/10/2026

With heavy hearts, we share that Kelly Ann Reeves Dailey died on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the age of 65. She fought a courageous battle with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and met every challenge with strength, resilience, grace, and unwavering faith. She died at her home in Wahoo, Nebraska, surrounded by loved ones.

Kelly was born in Wahoo, Nebraska, on October 22, 1960, to Wayne and Carlene Reeves. She attended Saint Wenceslaus Elementary School and Bishop Neumann High School, graduating in 1979. Kelly went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in December 1985. Following graduation, she dedicated 26 years to teaching both high school and elementary students, touching countless lives.

Kelly was the proud mother of two children, Linsey Kaspar Weaver and Nolan Hannan. Linsey and her husband, Jason Weaver, blessed her with three grandchildren, Rilynn, Camden, and Briley, who brought her immense joy.

On June 14, 2002, Kelly married Dan Dailey, with whom she shared 23 years of love and cherished memories.

Growing up alongside three brothers in a family of four children, Kelly learned early on to hold her own. In addition to being a loving sister to her brothers, she was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. Kelly, alongside Dan, served as foster parents to many children over the years, offering a safe and loving temporary home to children in need.

Kelly was a devoted parishioner of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, where she also served faithfully as an usher and chairman of the Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW).

Kelly enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, baking, watching Hallmark movies, and tending to her floral gardens, finding peace and joy in the simple pleasures of life.

Kelly is survived by her husband, Dan Dailey of Wahoo, NE; her daughter, Linsey Kaspar Weaver (Jason); her grandchildren, Rilynn, Camden, and Briley Weaver of North Platte, NE; her mother, Carlene Reeves of Wahoo, NE; and her brothers, Scott Reeves of Omaha, NE, Doug Reeves (Kim) of Wahoo, NE, and Gregg Reeves (Lori) of Weston, NE. She is also survived by her aunts, Lois Schofield of Hayward, CA, LaVonne Mancini of Burlington, MA, and Mary Kuhn of Hanover, MA; her sister-in-law Kathleen Jelinek (Charlie) of Weston, NE, brothers-in-law, Pat Dailey (Linda) of Wahoo, NE, Jerry Dailey (Jean) of Wahoo, NE, Tom Dailey (Stacy) of Wahoo, NE, and Terry Dailey (Lori) of Wahoo, NE; and many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her son, Nolan Hannan; her former husband, John Hannan; her father, Wayne Reeves; her sister-in-law, Jennifer Reeves; father-in-law, Ken Dailey; mother-in-law, Gen Dailey;
her brother-in-law, Larry Dailey; niece, Kendra Dailey-Rathjen; nephew, Alex Dailey; her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

Kelly’s unwavering faith, generous spirit, and selfless devotion she shared with family, friends, and students will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday (1/13/2026) 10:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 214 E. 2nd St., Wahoo, NE.
Concelebrants, Rev. Jeffrey Eickhoff and Rev. Charles Townsend.
Visitation, Monday (1/12/2026) 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. with 6:30 p.m. Rosary all at Church.
Interment at St. Francis Cemetery, Wahoo, NE.

Memorials to St. Wenceslaus School or Bishop Neumann High School.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Arrangements by Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE

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