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Beverly Svanda Obituary – 3/25/2016


Beverly Ann Svanda, age 84, of Silver Lake, passed away Friday, March 25, 2016, at her home.

She was born Aug. 16, 1931, in Stockholm Township, Wright County, to Joseph and Alice (Johnson) Bjork. Beverly was baptized and confirmed at Stockholm Lutheran Church, and attended Dahl country school and Cokato High School.

Bev married Ernest Svanda Aug. 21, 1949.

She and Ernie enjoyed traveling with their motor home to AZ, and to threshing shows in the area. Their fondest trip was to the Czech Republic in 1979.

The couple also enjoyed driving their Farmall tractors in parades in neighboring towns.

Bev enjoyed being a farmer’s wife. She helped with the field work, milking, and painting the outbuildings on the farm.

She was a guardian ad litem, and a strong advocate for children, as well as McLeod County’s first home health aide. Bev was a loving caretaker to her family and to others.

Bev played the accordion, organ, and piano – all by ear. She was an active member in the Faith Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Arlene Evenski; and brothers, Rodney and Francis Bjork.

Bev is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Ernie Svanda of Silver Lake; children, Bruce Svanda of Silver Lake, Bonnie (Gary) Hahn, and Barb (Larry) Ruzicka, all of Dassel; grandchildren Erin (Torrey) Keith, Joelle (CJ) Renko, Kelly (Jeremy) Vasek, Marisa Johnson, and Ryan (Angella) Ruzicka; and great-grandchildren Jennah, Larissa and Karlie Keith, Raelie and Jace Renko, Chyler Vasek and soon-to-be-born, baby boy Vasek, Aiden Johnson, and Biella and Bjorn Ruzicka.

Funeral services took place Tuesday, March 29 at 1:30 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church in Silver Lake.

Visitation was Monday, March 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake, and continued Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment was at Bohemian National Cemetery in Silver Lake.

Pallbearers were Erin Keith, Mike Johnson, Joelle Renko, Gary Schmeig, Jeremy Vasek, and Donna Mae Schmidt.

Marisa Johnson, Ryan Ruzicka and Kelly Vasek were honorary pallbearers.

The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake served the family. Online condolences may be made to www.mareshfuneralhome.com.

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