Edward Svoboda

Edward Svoboda, age 66, passed away on Monday, July 31, 2023, at the Home for Creative Living in Windom. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. with a rosary service beginning at 7:00 on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Church of the Good Shepherd in Jackson. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Funeral Mass on Thursday. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2023, with Father Jonathan Fasnacht officiating. Burial will follow at Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery.

Edward Wesley Svoboda was born November 11, 1956, at the Halloran Hospital in Jackson, Minnesota. He was the second of three children born to Ernest and Mildred (Burr) Svoboda.

Edward grew up on the family farm with his parents, older sister Barbara, and younger brother William. He assisted with all of the farm chores he was able to do, including learning to drive the Ford tractor in later years.

Ed began attending school in Lakefield at age 12, attending special education class. Edward graduated from Jackson high school in 1976. He then began attending the Jackson County DAC in Lakefield and continued living on the family farm. He remained there until 2/25/1990 when he moved to Luverne Community Residential facility. He then began attending Rock County Opportunities, where he became a part of community-based employment group, which cleaned businesses and assisted with other tasks as the employer requested. In 1994, Ed moved into a smaller home type setting. He continued to work his RCO until COVID 19 hit. After businesses began to reopen, Eddie chose to retire from RCO. He remained at home, listening to music-with favorites Johnny Cash and Polka Masses, coloring, and going to some of his favorite activities.

Ed had many activities in life that he enjoyed. He enjoyed going fishing with housemates and staff, eating out, going to the movies, Special Olympics Bowling-where he earned many trophies and medals competing at the local level and state championships. He also enjoyed going to the staff’s farm during fall harvest, riding along in the cab of the tractor. Ed liked going to the library, attending a Friendship class bible study at a local church, attending church in Luverne, and was in a peer group called People’s First, holding different offices.  

In February of 2023, Eddie moved from Luverne to the Home for Creative Living in Windom, as his needs changed.

Edward is survived by his sister Barbara; brother William; nephew, 4 nieces, several cousins, and other relatives.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Mildred, and a nephew Dana Stenzel.

Blessed be the memory of Edward Wesley Svoboda.

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