Dolores “Laurie” Svoboda

Dolores “Laurie” Svoboda, 92, longtime Grant, Neb., resident, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at the Valley View Villa in Fort Morgan, Colo.

Laurie was born on Aug. 7, 1930, at Lincoln, Neb. Her parents, Patrick and Gladys (Toohey) Vinlove, raised her in Lincoln, where she graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School. 

On Dec. 17, 1949, Laurie married Don Svoboda at Lincoln, and their union was blessed with four children, Tom, Mike, Christine, and Lisa. The family made their home in Lincoln until 1967, when they moved to Grant, as Don and his brother Frank had been active in purchasing ground in the region. Before Don’s death in 2004, the couple enjoyed spending their winters in Yuma, Ariz., for a number of years. 

Laurie was a woman of remarkable character, firm in her resolve and steadfast in her forbearance. Laurie did not have a heart for the spotlight and was both a subtle and gentle presence. When met with heavy burdens, Laurie met them with strength and grace. The winds of good times and hardship never really affected Laurie’s demeanor; she was a quiet and faithful woman who never had a word of complaint. 

Laurie was preceded in death by her husband, Don; daughter, Lisa; an infant son, John; and grandson, Zach. 

Survivors include her two sons, Tom and wife Kathy of Timnath, Colo., and Mike and wife Angela of Ogallala, Neb.; daughter, Christine Svoboda and her husband, Gene Silverblatt of Salado, Texas; eight grandchildren, Caitlyn, Mary, Pat, Anne, Michael, Jessica, Corie, and Cody; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Laurie’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services were  streamed live.

Funeral Mass was held on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Grant with Fr. Thomas Bush as celebrant. Inurnment was in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant was in charge of arrangements.