Svoboda Funeral Home, 211 N Linden Street, Wahoo, NE (2025)

12/16/2025

Marcie Sabatka, 95, of Valparaiso, NE, entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 15, 2025 at Country House in Lincoln, NE. She was born December 25, 1929 in Dwight, NE to Louis and Helen (Helman) Krenk.

Marcie graduated from Dwight Assumption Catholic High School in Dwight, NE. Following graduation, Marcie began working as a dental assistant in David City, NE. On January 3, 1950, Marcie was united in marriage to Alden C.E. Sabatka. Marcie and her husband Alden owned and operated Oak Valley Lumber in Valparaiso, NE. She worked as the bookkeeper for many years.

Marcie was a member of Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Valparaiso, the Sts. Mary & Joseph Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters. Marcie was an avid gardener and she was a seamstress. She was a church quilter and a member of TOPS Club.

She is survived by her children, Phil Sabatka, Laurie (Terry) Anderson and Mark (Kim) Sabatka; daughter-in-law, Linda Sabatka; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alden C.E. Sabatka; son, Wayne Sabatka; daughter-in-law, Joan Sabatka.

Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday (12/23/2025) 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church, 637 Iver St., Valparaiso, NE.
Visitation, Tuesday 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. with a 10:00 a.m. Catholic Daughters Rosary all at Church.
Interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Valparaiso, NE.

Memorials can be given in care of the family or for Masses.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

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

12/08/2025

Ronald Gene Vanek, 77, of Prague, Nebraska passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at his home. Ron was born on November 10, 1948, to Richard and Wilma (Svoboda) Vanek in Wahoo, Nebraska. Ron attended St. John School in Prague through the 8th grade and then graduated from Prague High School in 1967. On June 7, 1969, Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life Jeanne TePoel at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Prague, NE. From this marriage, they were blessed with 5 children, 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

After high school, Ron attended John F. Kennedy college in Wahoo, Nebraska on a track scholarship and majored in Business. He worked at a trailer manufacturing company for a few years before becoming a full-time farmer. Farming was not only his job, but his passion. In fact, he still harvested this year’s crops with his son.
He was a member of the Jaycees and Z Team men’s softball team. He enjoyed hunting, sports, history, Gunsmoke, and taught his grandkids tricks. He loved attending any one of his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events over the years. He was their biggest fan.

He is survived by daughter Tracy (Roger) Kubik of Wahoo--Ben (Amy) Kubik, Kylee, Lily, JR, and Jase of Highlands Ranch, CO, Alex (Emily) Kubik, Trevor, Charlie, McKenzie, and Zander of Ulysses, Zach (Daryl) Kubik, Creighton, Sutton, and Crofton of Shelby, Holly Kubik (Braxton Dupree) of Omaha, Son Ryan (Michelle) Vanek of Prague-Courtney Vanek (Jayce Doyle) of Stapleton, Gunnar (Lilly) Vanek, Everett of Omaha, Miranda Vanek of Prague, Daughter Deanna (Ron) Hanke of Waverly, Madison Hanke of Lincoln, Hunter, Sydney, and Rylee Hanke of Waverly, Daughter Jessica (Jimmie) Zalesky of Ashland-Jacob and Janessa Zalesky of Ashland, Son Russell (Allison) Vanek of Seward-Easton Vanek, Henry, Oliver, and Theo Sommerfeld of Seward.

Ron is preceded in death by his wife, parents and many other relatives.

Funeral Service, Thursday (12/11/2025) 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 122 W. Center Ave, Prague, NE.
Officiant, Rev. Carson Kain.
Visitation, Thursday 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. all at Church.
Interment at St. John Cemetery, Prague, NE.

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

Arrangements by Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE.

12/03/2025

Theodore “Ted” E. Thompson, Jr., 73, of Wahoo, NE, entered into rest on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Saunders Medical Center in Wahoo, NE. He was born November 18, 1952 in Scottsbulff, NE to Theodore and Marlene (Houdek) Thompson. Ted graduated from Wahoo High School in 1970. In 1979, Ted was married to Jodie McWilliams in Omaha, NE.

Ted worked many years for Local #538 Cement Finishers Union. He owned and operated Thompson Concrete for 20 years until he retired. Ted enjoyed shooting pool, bowling and riding his Harley.

He is survived by his wife, Jodie Thompson; daughters, Jami Thompson, Tamara (Nate Clover) Roberts and Sara Schneider; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Caleb Thompson Schleiger; parents, Ted Sr. and Marlene Thompson.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorials in care of the family.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Arrangements by Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE.

11/29/2025

Gary “Doc” Gale Halbmaier, 84, passed away at the Central Nebraska VA Home in Kearney, on November 21, 2025.

Gary was born on April 6, 1941, in Elgin, Illinois. He attended Hampshire Public Schools. Gary left school at 16 and worked for a while before enlisting in the United States Navy shortly before he turned 18. He attended boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois. Gary served as a cook during his enlistment on the destroyer USS Miles C. Fox. He made two trips across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea. When the Bay of Pigs crisis broke out, the USS Miles C. Fox remained docked in Bermuda in case they were needed. Fortunately, they were not called into service.

After completing his service, he married Kay Ryman, of Marengo Illinois, on July 10, 1964 and began his career as a long-haul truck driver, often spending weeks on the road. Once he and his family settled in Mead, Nebraska, Gary hauled for Michigan-Nebraska for a time before starting his own trucking company, Halbmaier Trucking, allowing him to continue doing the work he loved while being closer to home. He also became involved in the Mead community by hosting his legendary block parties and serving on the volunteer fire department for years.

Known across the CB airwaves as “Dr. Pepper,” Gary was affectionately called “Doc” by those closest to him—a nickname that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

When health kept him from the open road, Gary poured his passion and skill into opening Doc’s Metal and Hydraulics Shop. There, just as he did throughout his life, he greeted everyone with a smile and treated each person like an old friend. Gary never met a stranger, and for as long as he was able, he never hesitated to offer a helping hand.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Grace Halbmaier; his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Linda Halbmaier; and Kay Ryman Halbmaier.

He is survived by his children, Jim (Brenda) Halbmaier of Mead, Nebraska, and Amy (Shawn) Boatman of Cypress, Texas; his grandchildren, Evan and Rebecca Halbmaier, and Samantha and Jordan Boatman; his sister, Colleen (Robert) Thurow; his special friend, Joan Sheets; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gary will be remembered for his quick wit and the sense of humor he shared with all who crossed his path.

Funeral Service, Saturday (12/6/2025) 10:30 a.m. at Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE.
Visitation, Friday (12/5/2025) 5-7 p.m. at Svoboda Funeral Home.
Interment with Fireman’s Last Call at Morningside Cemetery, Mead, NE.
Military Honors by U.S. Navy, American Legion Post #82 & VFW Post #4502.

A special thank you to the staff at the Central Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Kearney and Amedysis Hospice. They went above and beyond in their care for Gary the past 5 ½ years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the Mead Volunteer Fire Department.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Arrangements by Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE

11/19/2025

Roger Dean Engel, 63, of Ithaca, NE, entered into rest on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha, NE. He was born March 29, 1962 in Omaha, NE to Roger Ray and Sharon June (Schroeder) Engel. In 1980, Roger graduated from Northwest High School in Omaha, NE. On June 18, 2005, Roger was married to Jackie VanSeveren-Swain. Through the years, Roger worked at Eyman Plumbing, Heating and Air, Saunders Medical Center, Holmes Lake Rehab and Care Center and South Haven Living Center.

Roger enjoyed fast cars, race cars, sci-fi movies, star gazing and guitar solos. He loved cooking for the holidays and vacationing with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jackie Engel; children, Brandon (Jessica) Engel of Omaha, NE, Brie (Rob) Herrera of Jalisco, Mexico, MiLea Ixta of Tallahassee, FL, Robert Swain of Beatrice, NE, Riah Engel of Ithaca, NE, Anthony Engel of Ithaca, NE and James Engel of Ithaca, NE; grandchildren, Skyla Herrera, Adrianna Ixta, MiLeanna Ixta and Sage Herrera; sister, Joyce Stevens; brother, Jeffrey Engel; brother-in-law, John VanSeveren; sisters-in-law, Carrie (Derrick) Klindt and Jessica VanSeveren; parents-in-law, Timothy and Sandra Dyson, Joseph and Madonna VanSeveren; many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Sharon Engel; infant sister, Debbie Engel.

Funeral Service, Saturday (11/22/2025) 11:00 a.m. at Ithaca United Methodist Church, 302 7th St., Ithaca, NE.
Officiant, Pastor Greg Reed.
Interment at Indian Mound Cemetery, Ithaca, NE.

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

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

11/12/2025

Frank E. Chloupek, 74 of Wahoo, NE entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 10, 2025. He was born October 23, 1951 in Seward, NE to Ernest and Mary (Kilzer) Chloupek. He attended District #52 Country School and graduated from Rising City High School in 1970. Frank married Susan Prochaska on February 2, 1973 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Brainard, NE but they later divorced. From this union five children were born Michelle, Neal, Alexis, Paul and Jesse.

Frank enjoyed hard work his whole life. Construction, woodworking and concrete were in his blood. He worked for many years at Ernie’s in Ceresco before leaving to work at St. Wenceslaus Catholic School so he could spend more time around his younger children. After they grew up and graduated, he worked the rest of his professional life working for Jeff Lehms at Carpet Land in Lincoln.

He had a lifelong passion for problem solving and fixing things. If you needed something worked on, he’d find a way to fix it or make it better. There was never any task he would turn down. He knew how to fix all life’s problems, with his gentle voice, a big smile and deep laugh and his guiding instinct. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, working on his cars, restoring furniture, building 4H projects and watching YouTube. He especially loved watching his grandchildren grow up, going to concerts, sporting events and school activities.

Frank is survived by his children, Michelle Chloupek, Neal (Heather) Chloupek, Alexis (Dr. Andrew) Opp, Paul Chloupek, Jesse (Addisen Shive) Chloupek; grandchildren; Gracyn, Logan, Paisley and Porter Chloupek, Josephine, Evelyn, William, Jack and Lillian Opp, Sloan and Slade Chloupek; brothers Ralph (Rose) Chloupek, Joe (Collene) Chloupek, Jim (Pat) Chloupek; sisters-in-law, Karen and Sandy Chloupek; many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jack and Lewis Chloupek; former wife, Susan Chloupek.

Mass of Christian Burial, Monday (11/17/25) 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Colon, NE.

Visitation, Sunday (11/16/25) 5-7 pm with a 7:00 pm Rosary all at the church.

Private interment at a later date.

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

11/12/2025

Dolores T. Janecek, 93, of Wahoo, NE, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at South Haven Living Center in Wahoo, NE. She was born April 4,1932 in Prague, NE to Adolph and Anna (Polacek) Humlicek. Dolores graduated from Prague High School. On May 8, 1951, Dolores was united in marriage to Robert Janecek at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Prague, NE.

Dolores was a farm wife, mother, grandmother and a devout Catholic. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, where she was active in the St. Ludmilla Guild, Altar Rosary Society and the PCCW. Dolores was a member of Camp Creek Threshers and the Birthday Card Club. She loved antique shopping, collecting butter churns, playing pitch, gardening and watching Husker Volleyball.

She is survived by children, Daniel Janecek, Karen (Scott) Miller, David Janecek and Julie (Daryl) Johnson; grandchildren, Jeff (friend, Jennifer) Janecek, Michelle (Kenny Luedke) Miller, Adam (Amber) Janecek, Allison (Richard) Wiltshire, Jillian Miller, Sarah (Jed) Droge, Joel (Alli) Janecek, Michael (Alex) Miller, Justin Johnson, Jenna Johnson and Joshua (Cassidy) Johnson; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Mae Safranek; many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Janecek; son, Steven Janecek; grandson, Daniel Janecek Jr.; parents, Adolph and Anna Humlicek; brother, Leonard (Helen) Humlicek; brothers-in-law, Jim Safranek and Leonard (Rita) Janecek.

Mass of Christian Burial, Friday (11/14/2025) 10:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 214 E. 2nd St., Wahoo, NE.
Celebrant, Fr. Jeffrey Eickhoff and Fr. Charles Townsend.
Visitation, Thursday 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with 7:00 p.m. Rosary at Svoboda Funeral Home.
Interment at St. Francis Cemetery, Wahoo, 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

11/10/2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Constance Marie (Cejka) Hallam, better known as Connie, who passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025.
Born on June 10, 1938, in Wahoo, Nebraska, Connie lived a life defined by creativity, confidence, and a love of beauty in all its forms. She was a woman of grace, elegance, and style. Connie had a lifelong passion for photography, capturing the world through her unique perspective, and she delighted in fashion and personal expression. She was also known for her love of a good party, often bringing energy, laughter, and charm wherever she went.
She is survived by her son, Lee Scott Hallam, and his wife Jan; her grandchildren Jacob and Erica Hallam, and Travis Hallam; and her brothers George Cejka and Allen Cejka, who will forever cherish her memory.
A service celebrating Connie’s life will be held at a later date in Nebraska.
Connie was creative, independent, and vibrant. She approached the world with curiosity and flair, embracing beauty and laughter wherever she found them. Though she is gone from our sight, her unique presence and joyful energy will long be remembered.
Arrangement by Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE

11/03/2025

Eunice M. Antosh, 75 of Yutan, NE passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Cedarhurst Senior Living in LaVista, NE. She was born on March 10, 1950 in Spalding, NE to Floyd and Carol (Hurst) Rozmiarek. Eunice grew up on a farm near Wolbach, NE and graduated from Wolbach High School in 1968. After graduating she moved to Grand Island, NE and worked at Cornhusker Ammunition Plant in Alda, NE. Later she moved to Omaha, NE and worked as a key punch operator for Miller Paint. On September 4, 1971 she married Edward Antosh in St. Paul, NE. Together they lived in Omaha for several years before moving to a farm West of Yutan, NE. Eunice took care of accounting for farmers and small businesses in the area. After Ed passed away in January of 2024, Eunice moved to an assisted living/memory care facility in Omaha and resided there until her death.

Eunice enjoyed photography, gardening, canning, collecting and going to garage sales.

Eunice is survived by her brother, Stanley (Rose) Rozmiarek of Grand Junction, CO; sisters, Judy (Wayne) Cordes of Papillion, NE, Joanne (Terry) Brown of Chapman, NE and Dianne (Allen) DeBolt of Grand Island, NE; sister-in-law, Carol (Robert) Doberstein of Weiser, ID; brother-in-law, Jim (Kristi) Antosh of Helena, MT; sister-in-law, Judie Antosh of Napa, ID; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Antosh; parents, Floyd and Carol Rozmiarek; brother, Carl Rozmiarek; brother-in-law, Robert J. Antosh.

Eunice’s family would like to give a special thank-you for their care and compassion over the past months to Country House in Omaha, Cedarhurst Senior Living in LaVista and Suncrest Hospice in Omaha.

Funeral Service, Saturday (11/8/25) 11:00 am at Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE
Visitation, Saturday (11/8/25) 10-11 am at the funeral home.
Private interment at Omaha National Cemetery, Omaha, NE

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

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

11/03/2025

Eunice M. Antosh, 75 of Yutan, NE passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Cedarhurst Senior Living in LaVista, NE. She was born on March 10, 1950 in Spalding, NE to Floyd and Carol (Hurst) Rozmiarek. Eunice grew up on a farm near Wolbach, NE and graduated from Wolbach High School in 1968. After graduating she moved to Grand Island, NE and worked at Cornhusker Ammunition Plant in Alda, NE. Later she moved to Omaha, NE and worked as a key punch operator for Miller Paint. On September 4, 1971 she married Edward Antosh in St. Paul, NE. Together they lived in Omaha for several years before moving to a farm West of Yutan, NE. Eunice took care of accounting for farmers and small businesses in the area. After Ed passed away in January of 2024, Eunice moved to an assisted living/memory care facility in Omaha and resided there until her death.

Eunice enjoyed photography, gardening, canning, collecting and going to garage sales.

Eunice is survived by her brother, Stanley (Rose) Rozmiarek of Grand Junction, CO; sisters, Judy (Wayne) Cordes of Papillion, NE, Joanne (Terry) Brown of Chapman, NE and Dianne (Allen) DeBolt of Grand Island, NE; sister-in-law, Carol (Robert) Doberstein of Weiser, ID; brother-in-law, Jim (Kristi) Antosh of Helena, MT; sister-in-law, Judie Antosh of Napa, ID; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Antosh; parents, Floyd and Carol Rozmiarek; brother, Carl Rozmiarek; brother-in-law, Robert J. Antosh.

Eunice’s family would like to give a special thank-you for their care and compassion over the past months to Country House in Omaha, Cedarhurst Senior Living in LaVista and Suncrest Hospice in Omaha.

Funeral Service, Saturday (11/8/25) 11:00 am at Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE

Visitation, Saturday (11/8/25) 10-11 am at the funeral home.

Private interment at Omaha National Cemetery, Omaha, NE

Memorials in care of the family.

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

10/27/2025

David F. Odvody, 80, of Wahoo, NE, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Saunders Medical Center LTC in Wahoo, NE. He was born November 19, 1944 in Prague, NE to Tom and Agnes (Jecha) Odvody. Dave attended District 51 country school and graduated from North Bend High School. On July 22, 1967, Dave was united in marriage to Janice Tesinsky at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Plasi, NE. Dave worked for Goodyear in Lincoln for 47 Years.

Dave enjoyed hunting coyotes and c***s with his friends and family. Dave and Janice enjoyed going on vacations traveling to many states. He also enjoyed raising cattle and turkeys. He enjoyed getting together with family for holidays and birthdays.

David is survived by his brother Tom (Ruth) Odvody and their son Jonathan, sister Shirley Miller and her son Howard; Sisters-in-law Rita (Lloyd) Fiala, Jean Tesinsky; Nieces and nephews Laurie (Scott) Horner and their children Ashley (Uriah) Reiners, Jonah & Elliot, Seth Horner, Brooke (Cooper) Wright; Karen (Shawn) Spanel and their children Logan (Elaina) Spanel, Sydney Spanel and Grant Spanel; Ryan (Christy) Fiala and their children Violet and Shylie; Randy Fiala; Justin (Tiffany) Tesinsky and their children Siena, Hudson and Quinn, Darth Tesinsky and his children Jonathan and Aubrey; Vince (Jamie) Tesinsky and their children Jordan, Tessa and Mya; Derek (Amy) Tesinsky and their sons Reed and Bo and numerous cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janice, his parents Tom and Agnes Odvody, nephew Matthew Odvody, brother-in- law Louis Tesinsky Jr., mother and father-in-law Louis and Agnes Tesinsky.

Funeral Service, Saturday (11/1/2025) 10:00 a.m. with 9:30 a.m. Rosary at Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE.
Visitation, Saturday 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. at Svoboda Funeral Home.
Interment at Sunrise North Cemetery, Wahoo, NE.

Memorials to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wahoo, NE or in care of the family.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

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

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