Arlene Svoboda Obituary

Funeral services for life-long Lawrence area resident, Arlene Josephine Philomene Svoboda were held Friday, May 13, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lawrence. The services included the Mass of the Resurrection offered by the Rev. Father Corey Harrison. He was assisted by Lector: Lyle Kohmetscher; Acolyte: John Dolnicek; Organist: Linda Ostdiek and Song Leader: Sheri Buescher.

Honorary pallbearers were: Sam Brockman, Tyler Brockman, Connor Bruggeman and Jordan Peters.

A Rosary service was held in Lincoln on Thursday evening.

Inurnment was in the Sacred Heart parish cemetery east of Lawrence.

Arlene was born in March 1927, to Joseph and Ann (Bencken) Witrhlik. She married Robert J. Svoboda on October 7, 1946.

The couple lived on the family farm north of Lawrence where Robert grew up. Robert was in the Army during World War II. They have four daughters; Marlene (Gary) Beyke; Jolene, (Jim) Ritzman; Jeanette (Duane) Brockman; and Sandi (Kevin) Peters. Six grandchildren are: Kimberly Beyke, Mitzi Ritzman, Megan Brockman, Sam (Brittany) Brockman, Tyler Brockman, Jordan (Jordyn) Peters and three great grandchildren: Connor Bruggeman, Emma Breitfelder and Madeline Breitfelder.

Arlene worked on the family farm until moving to Lawrence in 1980. She worked at McCully’s store in Lawrence and during the war worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hastings. She was an active member of the Altar Society at Sacred Heart Church in Lawrence. She loved to play solo, bridge and pitch and made the perfect kolache and rohlicy.

Arlene is survived by daughters: Marlene (Gary) Beyke, Jolene (Jim) Ritzman; Sandi (Kevin) Peters; grandchildren: Kimberly Beyke, Mitzi Ritzman, Megan Brockman, Sam (Brittany) Brockman, Tyler Brockman, Jordan (Jordyn) Peters; great grandchildren: Connor Bruggeman, Emma Brietfelder, Madeline Breitfelder; son-in-law: Duane Brockman; brother-in-law LeRoy (Pat) Svoboda; sister-in-law: Patty Witrhlik; nieces and nephews.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents: Joseph and Anne Witrhlik; husband: Robert Svoboda; daughter: Jeanette Brockman; brother: Rudy Witrhlik and sister: Joann Gloeb.