Donald SVOBODA

1934 - 2017  (83 years)

• Name	Donald SVOBODA
  Birth	26 Aug 1934	Jackson County, Wisconsin
  Gender	Male
  Death	26 Nov 2017	La Crosse, La Crosse County, Wisconsin
  Notes	Donald "Donnie" C. Svoboda, 83, of La Crosse passed away Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017 at Hillview Health Care Center in La Crosse. Donnie was born August 26, 1934, in Hixton, Wisconsin, to Francis "Frank" and Harriet (Yeske) Svoboda. They moved to La Crosse when he was two. He attended Central High School in La Crosse, until he joined the 426th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division Wisconsin Army National Guard in approximately 1953. On May 14, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Lynette "Red" F. Smevog and they raised their four children in La Crosse. Donnie was employed by Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse in Vending Repair until he retired in December 1999. He is survived by four children, Danette Svoboda of La Crosse, Roshelle Svoboda (David Schon)of Holmen, Gary (Linda) Svoboda of Sparta and Lori (Mark) Thesing of La Crescent, MN; seven grandchildren, Nina (Rick) Thiesse, Stacy (Aaron) Bulman, Derek Remen (Stacie Boisen, fiancé), Brandon (Katie) Thesing, Brent (Christi) Thesing, Jennifer and Lane Svoboda; and fifteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Donabel Yauchzee and Loretta Hewines. Donnie was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Lynette, and his parents. He was a faithful and loving husband who was a constant companion to his wife. They were truly best friends who enjoyed each other’s company. Donnie wants to be remembered fondly for the loving devotion and care he provided for his wife who was diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer’s disease. His family knows how tenderly he cared for her every need while she was at home with him and how he spent countless hours holding her hand and sitting with her every day, all day, while she was in the nursing home. He did this out of his deep devotion, love and respect for her. Donnie held the rank of Corporal in the Army National Guard. His first job was as a window glazer at Segelke, then 15 years as a route driver for Coca-Cola Bottling of La Crosse, and retired from Pepsi-Cola of La Crosse after 27 years of service. In his spare time, he enjoyed restoring cars and for many years worked security with his wife at the La Crosse Center. After retiring from Pepsi-Cola, he began driving school and motor coach buses for Ready Bus Line. Donnie was someone his entire family could count on if they needed something fixed or needed to borrow a tool. He was a jack-of-all-trades and very particular. If he was going to be involved in a project, you knew it was going to be done right. He and his sister Loretta were very close and were always "there for each other". When she needed something fixed at the tavern she knew all she needed to do was call him and he would be there for her. He was an avid bowler and an accomplished hunter. Some of the best memories with his wife and children are of camping and fishing together. Donnie enjoyed his daily dose of unending "Cowboy Shows", hanging out at the Krazy L, eating breakfast at Marge' Restaurant on Rose and meeting his daughter(s) for lunch, Friday' at the American Legion in La Crescent and meeting up with the retired "Pepsi Group" each month for dinner or breakfast. Donnie will be most remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and his uncanny ability to tease and joke with a straight face. You never knew if he was kidding and that was part of the fun trying to read his face. Finally, to his family who has heard this many times: "It’s getting dark." It’s time to go home. Dad is now home and he is with Mom again. A special thank you to Phyllis Boardman, who was his special friend and companion these past 7 years. Your love and kindness was appreciated by him more than you will ever know. To the 500 Unit staff at Hillview, thank you for the wonderful friendship, care and respect you gave Don these past eleven months. An extra-special thank you to Sue Roble and Nurse Jennifer who took the time to get to know "Blue Eyes" and made sure his wants and needs were always considered. Donnie has generously donated his body to Mayo Clinic’s Anatomical Bequest Program in Rochester, Minnesota. Whole-Body Donations are for the purposes of medical education, research and surgical training, and the development and testing of new surgical techniques. At his request, no funeral or memorial services will be held. His family will celebrate his life privately, as well as at the Mayo Clinic "Convocation of Thanks", which will be held at a future date in Rochester, Minnesota.
  Person ID	I32461	Don Carlson's Tree
  Last Modified	18 Aug 2025

  
  

  Family	Lynette Ferne SMEVOG,   b. 27 Oct 1936, La Crosse, La Crosse County, Wisconsin d. 25 Aug 2009, La Crosse County, Wisconsin (Age 72 years)
  Marriage	14 May 1955	La Crosse County, Wisconsin
  	Asbury Methodist
  Family ID	F19550	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	18 Aug 2025