Eugene (Gene) Adrian Svoboda, 83, of Deweese, Nebraska, died Monday Feb. 6, at the Sutton Community Home. Visitation was from 1 to 4 p.m.,Sunday, Feb. 12. The Rosary followed at 4 p.m. Mass was at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 13. All were held at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, Deweese, with Father Jamie Hottovy officiating. Burial was in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Lawrence. A memorial has been established to be designated at a later date. The service was live-streamed on Merten-Butler Mortuary's website. To view the service go to Gene's obituary and click the play button toward the bottom of the page. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.mertenbutler mortuary.com. Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska, was in charge of arrangements.

Gene was born March 29, 1939. He was the last survivor of eight children born to Joe E. and Sophia (Kotinek) Svoboda. Gene was born at the home place known as the 7S Bar Ranch. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1957. On July 31, 1962, he married Marilyn Schutte of Lawrence.

Gene farmed and ranched on the home place his entire life. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, he also was a member of the Lawrence Fire Department for 38 years and was a rural board member for 26 years.

Gene enjoyed fishing, hunting and driving the feed truck, His passion was running the swather along with enjoying time on the deck with family and friends. He enjoyed his home brewed whiskey along with a good story.

Left to cherish are his wife, Marilyn, of 60 years: his three boys: Joe E. (Donna) of Deweese; Arnie (Teri Pond) of Deweese and Dan (Darcy) of Kearney: eight grandchildren: Melissa (Brandon) Scheidemann; Stacy (Chris) Ladwig; Chance (Steph) Svoboda; Garret (Kayla) Svoboda; Chase (Kaitlyn) Svoboda; Rylee Svoboda; McKenna Svoboda and Boone Svoboda; 12 great-grandchildren: Tyson, Landon, Emma Scheidemann; Braden, Briggs , Brynlee Ladwig; Leah, Hays Svoboda; Colt, Skylar, Jade Svoboda; and Baby Svoboda due in April, parents are Chase and Kaitlyn.