Gene Svoboda

Gene Svoboda, 95 of Lancaster, Ohio passed away with her family by her side on Friday, June 19, 2026, at her home. She was born on January 18, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Albert and Harriet Chrustek (Kubowicz).

After her high school graduation, she attended the University of Northern Illinois. She took time out to marry Edward and started a family. Seven children later, she returned to school to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Ohio University in 1970. Later while raising seven children, she obtained her Masters Degree from Mt. St. Joseph College in 1988. Gene started her teaching career at St. Bernadette Catholic School and matriculated to the Lancaster City School District. After a long education career, Gene retired from Lancaster City School District teaching second and fourth graders. She valued education and wanted to pass her knowledge onto others and in doing so has inspired many, including her own offspring, to pursue a vocation in education. She was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church and now a member of The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption.

Gene was extremely proud of her Polish heritage, you bet your “dupa” she was. As an amateur gardener, Gene achieved Master Gardener certification while belonging to their club. Her interests included attending retired Teacher Association lunches, enjoying the company of fellow educators. Years of boating enjoyment started with the Lancaster Boat Club. Both trips and size of boats grew over the years. Ending in South Port Marina in Kenosha, WI on Lake Michigan. She enjoyed basket weaving, winning many ribbons including Best of Show at the Fairfield County Fair. Her biggest collection was rocks. She asked all family & friends to bring her home a rock from their travel and adventures all over the world. Her greatest love was first, last, and always her family as exemplified by her annual birthday marathon crafting sessions surrounded by family.

Gene is survived by her; children, Laura (Steve) 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, Chad (Elizabeth) Patton, and Cara (Pete) Hileman; great grandchildren, David, River, MacKinley, Ryan, Amelia, Emmett, Nicholas (Grace), Jacob, Cody, Caleb, Ella and Steven; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward F. Svoboda, Jr. after 73 years of marriage, who passed away on January 12, 2026, son, Steven E. Svoboda, parents, sisters, Rose DeLarme and Helen Lipen, and a brother, Walter Chrustek.

Funeral Liturgy will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130 with Fr. Daniel Olvera as Celebrant. Friends may visit Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 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.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Annette Presnell and Thomasina Kellner for their loving care of Gene. And also, to the staff of Fairhope Hospice and ComForCare for their dedication to Gene’s long journey home.

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