Rudy A. Svoboda

Rudy A. Svoboda, 96, of David City passed away on Friday, August 14, 2020 at the Butler County Health Care Center in David City.

Following the CDC COVID-19 guidelines, we will comply with social distancing seating and limited room capacity at the funeral service. Masks are suggested but not required.

Memorials: Kregger Legion Post 125/VFW Post 5814

Rudy A. Svoboda was born, the 10th child of a family of 16, on January 22, 1924 at David City, Nebraska to Anton L. and Stacia (Sabata) Svoboda. He attended school through the 8th grade and left school to help work on the family farm. He entered the U.S. Army, infantry division, in 1943 and served during WWII. He saw front line action in the South Pacific, earning a purple heart, two bronze stars and a good conduct medal, and his troop returned to Hiroshima, after the bombing, to go up into the mountains to notify the Japanese that the war had ended. He was discharged in 1946. Rudy proudly served as he would always say, 3 years, 3 months and 3 days!


Rudy married Marcy Petrzilka on June 5, 1946 and four daughters were born to this union. He was a farmer and he dedicated his life to the passion and labor of the land as well as livestock. He also did commercial trucking for many years. Rudy was a hard worker, and loved his family, the land and his church. He was very involved with many church activities, a past member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW, and a board member of Franklin Township. Most of all he was a family man and enjoyed teasing, telling stories, playing cards and listening to music. He was a happy and honest man.

Rudy leaves to celebrate his life, his daughters: Ila Gabel of David City, Jan (Don) Broeker of Kearney, Bonnie (Duane) Broeker of Seward and Kim Shore of Ft. Collins, CO.
8 Grandchildren: Nolan, Mandy, Kalan, Kendra, Sarah, Nathan, Taeja and Madison, 12 Great-grandchildren: Jaylee, Braydon, Kaden, Jace, Paisley, Tenley, Quinton, Rylee, Bristol, JaRae, Elston and Serenity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marcy in 2014, two grandsons, Scott Gabel in 2020 and Craig Broeker in 1978, 7 brothers and 5 sisters.