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

04/21/2026

Arlene Jane Shreve, 87, of Omaha, NE, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, NE. She was born January 20, 1939 in Prague, NE to Anton and Antoinette (Vanek) Cernohlavek. Arlene graduated from Brainard High School.

Through the years, Arlene worked for Swanson Foods, she was a real estate salesman in LaVista and worked for Woodman of the World. Arlene enjoyed gardening, traveling and camping.
She is survived by her children, Mark (Kathy) Fisher, Eric Fisher and Michelle (Chet) Dreesen; grandchildren, Anthony, Chelsea, Antoinette, Mary, Sarah and Kay; sister, Bernice (Dick) Sieber; many great-grandchildren and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ralph Fisher and Warren Shreve; life partner, Larry Bouza; parents, Anton and Antoinette Cernohlavek; brothers, Richard Cernohlavek and Leroy Cernohlavek.

Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday (4/30/2026) 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 2880 Co. Rd. O, Prague, NE.
Celebrant, Fr. Carson Kain.
Interment at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery, Plasi, NE.

Memorials to the Nebraska Humane Society.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

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

04/19/2026

Billy Shannon Bates lived life the only way he knew how—on his own terms, with creativity, grit, and a spark that couldn’t be dimmed.

Born November 10, 1968, in Concordia, Kansas, to Janis (Fullerton) and Billy D. Bates, Billy grew up with a competitive spirit and a drive that showed early. He attended Crete Public Schools, graduating high school in 1987. He ran cross country, played football, and earned 3rd place at the state wrestling tournament—never backing down from a challenge. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force, carrying that same determination into adulthood.

But Billy was never meant to live an ordinary life.

He was a veteran, an artist, a traveler, a storyteller. He created, explored, and chased possibilities—he graduated from Universal Technical Institute with a Commercial Art degree, modeled in Milan, Italy, and later moved to California to pursue acting where he became a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild. Wherever he went, he made friends easily and left a lasting impression. He didn’t just see the world—he connected with it. His occupational pursuits included selling real estate in Belize and most recently managing the Yamashiro Restaurant in the Hollywood Hills and BOA in Santa Monica, California.

To his nephews and nieces, he was “Knuckle Bill,” a title worn with pride and affection. He shared with them the things he loved most—art, movies, comic books, fast cars, his classic truck, and the quiet fascination of rock tumbling and collecting crystals. He shared his passions and opened doors to curiosity, imagination, and wonder.

On December 21, 2021, Billy was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. And like everything else in his life, he faced it head-on. For more than four years, he fought—not quietly, not passively, but with strength, stubbornness, and heart. It was a battle he met with courage every single day. He died peacefully in his childhood home surrounded by love on April 17, 2026.

Billy was preceded in death by his father, Billy D. Bates; his paternal grandparents Samuel Bates, Eva (Chamberlain) and Toby Newcomb; his maternal grandparents James & Jaunita (Miller) Fullerton; his aunts and uncles, Alfred & June Fullerton, James & Lesta Fullerton, Lonnie Bates, Roberta (Bates) Croft, Frank Newcomb, Rick Lynn, Fred Howlett and John Howlett.

He is survived by his mother, Janis (Fullerton) Howlett, and stepfather, William “Skeeter” Howlett; his siblings, Jamie (Suzanne) Bates, Tim (Linda) Bates, and Chelsea (Logan) Weideman; and his beloved nephews and nieces, Anthony (Katie) Bates, Dillon Bates, Jackson (Marisa) Bates, Griffin Bates, Cooper (Genna) Bates, Carson (Megan) Bates, Mollie Bates, and Jesse, Franklin, Will, and Henry Weideman, his great nieces and nephews Scarlett, Caroline, Graham and Pierce Bates. Aunts and Uncles, Mary (Bates) Lynn, Mike Bates, Linda (Newcomb) Knox, Robin Howlett, Wayne & Marsha Howlett, Joyce Howlett, Greg & Ruth Luedtke, and many cousins.

Billy didn’t follow a script. He wrote his own—boldly, imperfectly, and unapologetically. And because of that, his life was anything but ordinary. He leaves behind stories, laughter, creativity, and a reminder to live fully, love deeply, and never be afraid to do things your own way.

Celebration of Life for friends and family to gather at the VFW in Crete, Nebraska from 9:30-11 am on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Memorials can be made to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center – Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the hospice staff of AseraCare, the medical staffs at C.L. Werner Cancer Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Crete Medical Center for the care they provided to Billy throughout his cancer journey.

04/13/2026

Doris M. Hynek, 88, of Prague, NE, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at South Haven Living Center in Wahoo, NE. Doris and her twin sister, Deloris were born March 15, 1938 in rural Loma, NE to Emanuel and Marie (Rejda) Sisel.

Doris attended St. John School and graduated from Prague High School in 1957. She also attended Lincoln School of Commerce. On September 6, 1972, Doris was united in marriage to Richard Hynek at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Prague, NE.
Doris worked as a bookkeeper at the Elevator in Prague for over 40 years. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Prague, NE.

She is survived by nieces, nephews, several cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hynek; parents, Emanuel and Marie Sisel; twin sister, Deloris Vanek; brothers-in-law, John Vanek and Norman Hynek; sister-in-law, Ilene Divis; niece, Toni Marie Vanek; nephew, John Wayne Vanek.

Mass of Christian Burial, Friday (4/17/2026) 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 122 W. Center Ave., Prague, NE.
Celebrant, Fr. Carson Kain.
Visitation, Friday 9:30-10:30 a.m. all at Church.
Interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Morse Bluff, NE.

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

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

04/13/2026

Joe P. Bordovsky, 88, of Valparaiso, NE, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at his home in rural Valparaiso, NE. He was born December 12, 1937 in Malmo, NE to Dominic and Agnes (Vojkuvka) Bordovsky. On April 23, 1960, Joe was united in marriage to Geraldine Matulka at Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Valparaiso, NE.

Joe was a heavy equipment operator for many years, and later a semi driver hauling livestock. Joe was a lifelong mechanic, which is a skill he passed down to each of his sons. He loved maintaining the roads for multiple townships, he often referred to it as his hobby instead of a job. He also enjoyed listening to polka music.

He is survived by his children, Eric (Nancy) Bordovsky, Lamont (Colleen) Bordovsky, Pete (Christie) Bordovsky, Craig (Stephanie) Bordovsky and Aaron Bordovsky; grandchildren, Nicholas (Melissa) Bordovsky, Ashley (Tyler) Schirm, Dalton (Brianna) Bordovsky, Wyatt (Eli) Bordovsky, Clint (Kelly) Bordovsky, Carley Bordovsky, Jacob (Thu) Bordovsky, Blythe (Justis) Klinker, Cole (Emmaley) Bordovsky, Kayli (Emmett) Hughes and Mason Bordovsky; 21 great-grandchildren; many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Bordovsky; children, Paul Bordovsky and Jodine Bordovsky; grandson, Alex Bordovsky; parents, Dominic and Agnes Bordovsky; seven siblings; daughter-in-law, Kathy Bordovsky.

Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday (4/15/2026) 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church, 637 Iver St., Valparaiso, NE.
Celebrant, Fr. Matthew Zimmer.
Visitation, Tuesday (4/14/2026) 5-7 p.m. with 7 p.m. Rosary all at the Church.
Interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Valparaiso, NE

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

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

04/02/2026

Terry L. Garretson, 72, of Omaha, NE, entered into rest on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at his home in Omaha, NE. He was born March 23, 1953 in Parsons, KS to Acea and Golda (Luellen) Garretson. On October 19, 1974, Terry was united in marriage to Linda Hradsky at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Omaha, NE.

Terry served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard for 22 years until his retirement. Following his retirement, he started a 20 year career with Deffenbaugh Industries. Terry enjoyed going to horse races with his wife, Linda.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda Garretson; brother, Gary (Mary) Garretson; many other family members and friends.

Graveside Service, Saturday (4/18/2026) 10:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Wahoo, NE.
Military Honors by the U.S. Coast Guard.

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

03/27/2026

Ethel Mary Hohl, age 92, of Wahoo, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026.

She was born on December 4, 1933 in Columbus, Nebraska to Nicholas E. and Mary Adelaide (Gronenthal) Schroeder. She grew up in Platte Center, Nebraska attending St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School in Platte Center, Nebraska, Archangels Catholic High School in Humphrey, Nebraska and Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne, Nebraska. On August 29, 1953 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus, Nebraska, she married the love of her life, Robert J. Hohl, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage and were very fond of their early years with Bob serving for three years in the Air Force and time spent stationed at Vance Air Force Base, Enid, Oklahoma, Malden Air Force Base in Malden, Missouri and Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas. They returned to Wahoo, Nebraska and Bob began his career at the family-owned Wahoo State Bank. In addition to raising 5 children, they enjoyed playing cards in “Supper Club” with good friends, golfing at Hilltop Country Club, and following their children’s and grandchildren’s sports and activities!

Ethel was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. After Bob passed away in 2011, she became a new Ethel and quickly became known for her wit, humor, fun and sometimes too candid expression of opinions which she would quickly apologize for! She was known for her “Ethelisms” such as, “you should always make someone’s day better because you were in it!”

In her life memoir she wrote late in life entitled Changes” she wrote:” Changes began early in my life. My Mother passed away when I was 2 yrs old.

When I was 7 my dad passed away. I do remember him some. I would sit on his lap and he would sing “Red River Valley” to me.
It was my job when I was old enough to gather the eggs which were to eat and sell. The hens were not happy when you reached in to get the egg, so you would have to do something to distract them, like throwing a small stick in the nest. They were nasty creatures, but we ate the original free-range chickens, when you caught one!”

She was a lifelong member of St. Wenceslaus Church and Hilltop Country Club and loved playing in Women’s Golf League with her good friends! She served on the Wahoo State Bank Board of Directors for 7 years and on the Rosary Society, St. Ludmilla’s Guild and volunteered at St. Wenceslaus Elementary School and Bishop Neumann High School.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia Hohl, Elkhorn, Gregory Hohl (Debra), Wahoo, Deborah Hohl Spicka (Joseph), Wahoo, Kathy Hohl Kammer (Kevin), Atlanta, Georgia and Mary Hohl; Louisville, Colorado, her grandchildren, Angela Dorothy Mcartor (Kevin), Kristin Dorothy Bender, Cameron Hohl (Deceased) , Christian Hohl, Caroline Hohl Ge**er (Dave), Michael Spicka (Jen), Nicole Spicka Josephen, Eric Spicka (Cheyenne), Ryan Kammer (Katie), Rachel Kammer Bequette (Blake), Megan Kammer Pollard (Everett) , Great grandchildren, Maya McArtor, Keegan McArtor, Kyan McArtor, Ava McArtor, Hudson Bender, Harper Bender, Aliza Spicka, Dylan Spicka, Clara Spicka, Maizie Josephsen, Everett Josephen, Rylan Josephsen, Makenna Stinn, Leo Spicka, Olivia Spicka, Josephine Spicka, Wesly Kammer, Victoria Kammer, Rosie Kammer, Jane Bequette, Bishop Pollard, Palmer Pollard.

Preceded in death by husband Robert Hohl, grandson Cameron Hohl, parents Nicholas and Mary Schroeder, Father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law Clarence and Emma Hohl, brothers Alfred, Harold, Cecil, sisters Evelyn, Louise, Audrey, Helen, Mary, Lorraine.

Memorials In Lieu of Flowers: Bishop Neumann High School and St. Wenceslaus Elementary School.

Visitation, Monday (3/30/2026) 5-7 p.m. with 7:00 p.m. Rosary at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 214 E. 2nd St., Wahoo, NE.
Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday (3/31/2026) 10:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.
Interment at St. Francis Cemetery, Wahoo, NE.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

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

03/19/2026

Anthony Osmera, 86, of Weston, NE, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at his home in Weston, NE. He was born in Wahoo, NE to Anton and Agnes (Jambor) Osmera on September 20, 1939 and was the oldest son of six children. He was raised north of Touhy, NE, attended country school at District 111 in Touhy, and graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1956. He married Mary Ann Sladky on June 10, 1961 in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wahoo, NE. They raised their 4 children on the family farm, moving into Weston in 2002.

Anthony was a farmer all of his life, raising crops and livestock. He drove a cattle semi-truck for Wahoo Livestock Express for 20 years before retiring. He was a parishioner of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Weston, former parishioner of St. Vitus Catholic Church in Touhy for 63 years, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #8625 in Valparaiso, and a member of the Saunders County Livestock Feeders Association. Anthony was a charter member of the Touhy Livestock 4-H Club starting in 1949 and always enjoyed 4-H activities for himself, his children, and grandchildren.

Anthony took pride in his lawn and his garden. He shared the harvest of his large garden at the Wahoo Farmers Market for many years and with family and friends. He showed his grandchildren how to plant and harvest the garden and how to fish. He enjoyed cheering his children and grandchildren in their activities, including school, sports, and figure 8 racing. He was always up for playing cards and visiting with family and friends. The community would recognize Anthony driving his yellow pickup.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Osmera of 64 years; children, Gerald (Monica) of Weston, NE, Michael (Annie) of Alpharetta, GA, Jeanne (Dave) Lowell of Menlo Park, CA, and Al Osmera of Wahoo, NE; grandchildren, Tyler (Nicole) Osmera of Weston, NE, Kyle (Holly) Osmera of Valparaiso, NE, Ashley (Thomas) Olik and Justin Osmera of Charlotte, NC, Christina Osmera of Belmont, NC, Nicole (Isaiah) Cole of Durham, NC, Lindsey (David) Herrmann of New York, NY, Abby Lowell of McKinleyville, CA, Sara Lowell of Boston, MA, Sydney Lowell of Menlo Park, CA, Hunter Osmera of Wahoo, NE, Hayden Osmera of Lincoln, NE; great-grandchildren: Leo Osmera of Belmont, NC; Rosalie and Judah Cole of Durham, NC, Natalie and Owen Osmera of Weston, NE, and Reagan Osmera of Valparaiso, NE.

Siblings include a brother, Ernie (Joanie) Osmera of Weston, NE, sisters, Marie (Eugene) Maly of Weston, NE, Harriet Jakub of David City, NE, Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bernie (Emily) Sladky of Wahoo, NE, Richard (Sandie) Sladky of Council Bluffs, IA, Clarice Sladky of Omaha, NE, and Elizabeth Osmera of Scottsdale, AZ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Lisa Marie; brother, Richard Osmera; sister Betty Ann Tvrdy; brothers-in-law, Arnold Tvrdy, Rudy Jakub, Math J. Sladky, and Joe Sladky; sisters-in-law: Geraldine Sladky, Dottie Sladky, and Linda Sladky.

Mass of Christian Burial, Friday (3/20/2026) 10:00 a.m. at St. Vitus Catholic Church, North Main St., Touhy, NE.
Visitation, Thursday (3/19/2026) 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with 7:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 130 Front St., Weston, NE.
Interment at St. Vitus Cemetery, Touhy, NE.

Memorials to St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Weston, NE or St. Vitus Catholic Church, Touhy, NE or Touhy Livestock 4-H Club.

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

03/11/2026

Ernest “Ernie” J. Raiter, 78 Ceresco, NE entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 2, 2026 at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, NE. He was born on September 19, 1947 in Agnew, NE to John and Anna (Moravec) Raiter. He was a graduate of Valparaiso High School. After graduating he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served his country during the Vietnam War. Ernie worked for Burlington Northern and retired from Goodyear Inc. after many years; he also farmed his entire life. He was a member of American Legion Post #371 in Valparaiso, NE. He was presented with the Saunders County Veteran of the Month on June 17, 2022.

Ernie loved farming and enjoyed traveling. He traveled as far as Russia and South Africa.

Ernie is survived by his siblings, Marge (John) Buhr, George (Jeanne) Raiter, Susanne Raiter, Anton Raiter; nieces & nephews, Shawn Raiter, Becky Buhr, Deborah (Brian) Hulewicz, Matthew (Uneeda) Raiter, Andy (Mandy) Raiter; great-nieces, Ashley (Jamei) Pinkey, Sophia Buhr; sister-in-law, Carol Raiter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Raiter; siblings, Dorthy Raiter, John “Sonny” Raiter, Patrick Raiter.

Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday (3/17/26) 10 am with a 9:30 am Rosary all at Sts. Mary & Joseph Catholic Church in Valparaiso, NE.
Visitation, Monday (3/16/26) 5-7 pm at Svoboda Funeral Home in Wahoo, NE.
Interment with Military Honors at St. Vitus Cemetery in Touhy, 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

03/09/2026

Matt's Funeral Mass

03/06/2026

Matthew Clement McGill
May 26, 1973 – March 4, 2026

Matthew Clement McGill, age 52, passed away on March 4, 2026. Matt was a beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend whose life was marked by deep passions, loyal connections and a quiet pride in the people and things he loved.

He was born on May 26, 1973 and with his arrival, Matt gave Clem and Sheila McGill the dearly desired titles of “dad” and “mom”. As their first child, he brought them endless love. He grew up with three younger siblings and surrounded by a large, extended family. Throughout his life his family roots remained a source of pride. He loved his cousins but two of his most cherished roles came later as the uncle to his four nieces and stepfather.

From an early age, Matt had an astute, curious mind and a deep love of the outdoors. He was a bright child fascinated by astronomy, rocks and minerals, and the natural world. He loved being outdoors and dreamed of living in the mountains of Colorado as its landscapes captured his imagination. Train tracks, nature, and the open sky were sources of wonder for him. He was an avid collector and enjoyed searching for glass insulators from old telephone and power lines—small artifacts that connected him to history and the craftsmanship of days gone by.

While humble, his artistry was clear in his beautiful drawings often depicting beautiful scenes of nature. He learned to play guitar often playing music with friends. He was a devoted fan of rock music but most especially U2, whose songs often filled the family home late into the night. His siblings remember falling asleep to the melodies softly drifting through the vents from his basement bedroom.

He loved the pop culture of his youth, but Star Wars, Transformers and G.I. Joe topped his list. Matt was an unassuming man who craved the simple pleasures of life - like a cold Dr. Pepper and a good cheeseburger. Local hangouts like Eagles, the Colon Bar or Runza were favorites.

Matt took pride in his job and craft. During his 20+ years with M.E. Collins Construction he was hands on and skillfully completed assigned projects. He enthusiastically and meticulously explained details of a job site for hours even bringing his parents to see the final work on a construction trench. He took satisfaction in the tangible results of hard work.

Matt loved cars—especially his Camaros—and was known among family members for his punctuality. If the family was supposed to leave at 10:30 for a holiday gathering, Matt might call at 10:31 wondering why everyone was late.

Along with many Fogarty aunts, uncles and cousins, Matt accompanied his mom to Ireland in the early 1990s. That journey remained a meaningful memory and a connection to his Irish heritage.

Although in more recent years, he was not always able to attend family events in person, Matt continued to cheer on his family. But when together he loved conversations, his brother-in-law Joey’s cooking, and spending quiet time with those closest to him.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Clem and Sheila McGill; his brother, Andrew McGill; Grandparents Patrick and Elizabeth “Bly” McGill and Edward and Margaret Fogarty; cousins Christopher Gabriel and Zack Fogarty; aunts, uncles and other close family and friends.

He is survived by his brother Craig McGill; his sister Elizabeth, her husband Joey and his beloved nieces Addison, Ella, Izabel, and Marissa; Kyle, Zachary, Kennedy, Kelso and Cooper Wobker; and hundreds of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family members who were an important part of his life.

Matt will be remembered for his deep passions, curious nature, his loyalty to family, his stories, his music, movie quotes, jokes and the many small things that made him uniquely Matt.

Mass of Christian Burial, Monday (3/9/26) 10:00 am at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 214 E. 2nd St. Wahoo, NE 68066

Visitation, Sunday (3/8/2026) 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Rosary all at the church.

Interment at St. Francis Cemetery, Wahoo, NE.

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.

03/02/2026

Ronald Eugene Hansen, 93, of Wahoo, NE, entered into rest on Friday, February 27, 2026 at the Saunders House in Wahoo, NE. He was born March 31, 1932 in Omaha, NE to Roy Roosevelt and Vira Irene (Gilstead) Hansen. Ronald attended Omaha Technical High School. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged in 1955. On January 11, 1953, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Coleene Jacobsen at the Omaha Gospel Tabernacle in Omaha, NE.

Ron worked for Goodyear in California for three years before moving to Omaha. In Omaha, he worked for Kellogg’s until his retirement after a 33 ½ year career. Ron enjoyed any woodworking project, and he even built a house in Yutan.

He is survived by his children, Connie Marie (Walter) Negley, Rhonda Kay Hansen and Cindy Lea (Jarrell) Frey; grandchildren, Timothy (Jeni) Negley, Quintin (Kati) Negley, Addison (Samantha) Negley, E. Miles (Marissa) Negley, Westley (Tiffany) Negley, Heather (Oscar) Marin, Karissa (Zachary) Lee, Hannah Frey and Sarah (Spencer) Yeomans; 18 great-grandchildren; many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Hansen; parents, Roy and Vira Hansen; brother, Robert (Nella) Hansen.

Celebration of Life, Wednesday (3/18/2026) 11:00 a.m. at Wahoo Bible Church, 458 Elm St., Wahoo, NE.
Officiant, Pastor Don White.
Visitation, Tuesday (3/17/2026) 5-7 p.m. at Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE.
Interment with Military Honors at Indian Mound Cemetery, Ithaca, NE.

Memorials to Our Daily Bread Ministries.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

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

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 (Bohuslavsky) 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

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