Edward L. Svajgr

Edward L. Svajgr died on October 11, 2014 at the Gardenside Long Term Care Center in Fairbury, Nebraska at the age of 96. He was born on May 26, 1918 near Milligan, NE. He was the youngest of six children born to Vaclav and Mary (Trynner) Svajgr. He attended grade school at District 83 in Saline County and graduated from Milligan High School in 1935. On August 8, 1939 he married Bessie Novotny of Diller, NE. at Fairbury, NE.

Ed enjoyed agriculture, farming and livestock. They moved to a farm near Diller in 1943 and farmed with horses while picking corn, one ear at a time. In 1944 he purchased his first tractor while rural electricity was not available until 1948.

Ed became an SPF swine producer in 1960 and sold breeding stock to hog producers in many states. They moved to Fairbury in 1980 but continued to farm and raise livestock until 1984. Ed was an active and loyal member of the United Methodist Church, a 4-H leader and was Chairman of the Democratic Party in Jefferson County for many years. He will be remembered by many for his years of service delivering Meals on Wheels in Fairbury. He will also be remembered for his friendly smile, his wit and a caring attitude for others in need.

He is preceded in death by Bessie, his wife of 68 years, daughter Joyce, infant son Stanley, brothers Joseph and James, sisters Sophia and Martha and daughter-in-law Judy Svajgr.

He is survived by his sons Alan (JoAnn) Svajgr of Cozad, NE. and Larry (Cindy) Svajgr of West Lafayette, IN., grandchildren Shari (Doug) Menke of Round Rock, TX., Connie Mahaffey of Franklin, ME., James Mahaffey of Alexandria, NE., Jeffrey Svajgr of Cozad, NE., Dana (Chase) Newsom of West Lafayette, IN., step-grand- daughters Joan (Randy) Tigges of Lidderdale, IA., and Jana (Phil) Kopf of Lexington, NE., sister Emma Vales of Wilber, NE. He is also survived by twelve great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed chose to have his body donated to the Nebraska Anatomical Board (UNMC Medical School) in Omaha. Cremation with a private burial will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at the Fairbury Cemetery.