Ward R. Svoboda

Ward R. Svoboda, age 83, of Chambersburg, PA passed away Friday, January 26, 2018, at his home. He was born Friday, February 9, 1934 in Prague, NE, the son of the late Edward and Marie (Vlasak) Svoboda and stepmother Margaret (Wisnieski) Svoboda. Ward was a graduate of Schuyler High School, Schuyler, NE, and earned his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in March 1962. Retiring in 1996 from Ransomes of England (Cushman) after 30-plus years of service, Ward designed and engineered golf carts, industrial vehicles, and turf maintenance equipment used by private and governmental agencies and at the Pentagon. He was also involved in the Titan missile program. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity (UNL), an honorary member of Kappa Alpha Mu fraternity, a 32-degree Mason (50 years), and Elk’s Club (Lincoln, NE). Ward was an avid skier and married his wife, Judie, in Vail, CO. He loved mountain climbing, having ascended many of the major fourteen thousand foot peaks in Colorado. A collector of model trains and lifelong Cornhusker fan, Ward loved to travel, having visited many countries in Europe and the Pacific. He was also known to enjoy the occasional martini (one olive). Ward is survived by his wife of 28 years, Judith (O'Rourke) Svoboda; five daughters: Carrie L. Shuto of Cheyenne, WY, Laurie A. Thiesfeld of Virginia Beach, VA, Janette M. Brissette of Oak Hill, VA, Angela R. Wimmer of Attleboro, MA, and Stephanie D. Svoboda of Arlington, VA.; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren,and one stepbrother Dan. He was preceded in death by one son, Anthony James Varone, his sister Shirley, stepsister Margaret, stepbrother William, and four beloved Scottish Terriers. Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Shippensburg, PA. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 3 at Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg. Memorial contributions may be made to SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, 2700 Luther Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17202.