Edward J. Svitak

Edward James Svitak, 84, of Howells, NE, died Sunday, May 9, 2021, at Clarkson Community Care Center at Clarkson, NE.

Memorials can be directed towards St. Henry’s Cemetery Fund or Howells Community Catholic School.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 15, at 10:30 a.m.at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Howells, NE, Fr. Stan Schmit officiating. Visitation will be held Friday from 5 until 7 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary recited at 7 p.m. Masks are encouraged for those attending the visitation and Mass. Interment with military honors will be at St. Henry’s Cemetery, northwest of Howells. Funeral Lunch will follow interment at the Howells Catholic Social Center. Svoboda Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Edward J. was born December 26, 1936 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Norfolk, NE to James Joseph and Rose Ludmilla (Pojar) Svitak. He was the youngest of 8 children. Edward Steven was Baptized and Confirmed at St. John Nepomucene at which time he took the name, Edward James. He made his first Holy Communion at St. Henry's Catholic Church. He graduated 8th grade at District #27, Stanton County.
On January 26, 1956, Ed entered the US Army at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas and Fort Carson, Colorado. He received an Honorary Hardship Discharge on July 5, 1956 with 6 years Reserves due to the illness of his father.

On October 15, 1957 he married Mary Ann Kampschnieder at St. Peter and Paul Church in Howells. Together they farmed the family farm where he had lived all his life until they moved into Howells in 2016. He was proud to be called an American farmer and took great pride in receiving the Pioneer Farm Award in 2008. Ed and Mary enjoyed traveling to see family in Denver, Sacramento, Idaho, Missouri and Texas, and they also enjoyed their cruise to Nassau and a bus tour they took to see the east coast. Ed loved visiting with anyone and everyone, and enjoyed attending area polka dances where everyone learned he was an excellent polka dancer.

Ed was a member of the American Legion Albin Folda Post #155, Knights of Columbus, President of St. Henry's Cemetery Board, and past Trustee of St. Peter and Paul and St. Henry's Catholic Churches.

His is survived by his loving wife, Mary, of 63 years, 4 children: David (Shelley) Svitak, Spirit Lake, ID, Donald (Kelli) Svitak Norfolk, NE, Gary (Lynn) Svitak Howells, NE and Carol (Bob) Spenner West Point, NE; 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren: Jeremy (Tara) Svitak, and their children Kelsi, Trent, Hailey; Heidi (Beau) LaBolle and their daughter Rosemary; Maria (Korey) Janata and their children Kyla, Aleea; Aaron (Lauren) Spenner and their children Lane and Owen; Megan (Ethan) Cada and their son Wyatt; Kimberly Svitak (Fiancé Dylan Puls); Melissa (Tyler) Bates; sisters-in-law Esther Svitak, Mary Ann Kampschnieder, Yvonne Niewohner and brother-in-law Harold Ortmeier as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law George and Frances Kampschnieder and Rudy Stangel, 5 brothers; Frank (Mary Ann) Svitak, Lambert (Helen) Svitak, Raymond (Mildred) Svitak, Vernon (Adelaide) Svitak, Randolph Svitak, 2 sisters: Marcella (Edward) Jindra, Elgina (Rudy) Bures, in laws; Georgene and Bill LaPorta, Alvin Kampschnieder, Leo Niewohner, Betty Ortmeier and Bob and Mary Eifert.