Edward F. Svoboda, Jr.

Edward F. Svoboda, Jr. 95 of Lancaster, Ohio passed away with his wife and family by his side on Monday, January 12, 2026, at The Pickering House. He was born on April 5, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Edward and Mildred Svoboda, Sr.

After his high school graduation as his class valedictorian, he went on to the University of Illinois and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Edward was a Korean Conflict veteran serving in the US Army Corps of Engineers. After a 35-year career, Ed retired from AT&T Bell Labs (Western Electric). He was a member of St. Mark Cathoilc Church and now a member of The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption. Edward loved his golfing and boating throughout the Midwest and Great Lakes with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting, skeet shooting and most of all, spending time with his entire family. Ed was always a devoted patriarch and inspirational leader of our extended family.

Edward is survived by his wife of 73 years, Gene; children, Laura (Stephen) Misch of Avon, Karen (Paul Wacker) Cook of Lancaster, Mark (Shelley) Svoboda of Geneva, IL, Joy (Carl) Patton of San Juan Capistrano, CA, Anne (David) Snider of Somerset and Debra (Thomas) Rowland of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren, Alex E. (Ashley Waldrof) Cook, Sarah Cook, Joseph Snider, Robert Snider, William Snider, Evan (Maralee) Rowland, Erin (Jeremy) Robinson, Alexander Svoboda, Nicholas Svoboda, and Melissa (Colin) Straits; great grandchildren, David, River, Mackinley, Ryan, Amelia and Emmett.

He was preceded in death by his son, Steven E. Svoboda, parents and a brother, Frank Svoboda.

Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130 with Deacon Jeff Hurdley. Friends may visit Saturday from 12:00 -2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Caring Cremation® to follow.

Memorial gifts may be given to Steven E. Svoboda Scholarship Fund, c/o The Fairfield County Foundation, 162 E. Main St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.