FRANK J. AND BESSIE [GILLETTE] SVOBODA
Frank J. Svoboda, son of Frank and Nellie Svoboda, was born at
Wahoo, Nebraska, on March 1, 1885. In 1892 he moved with his
parents, brothers, and sisters to Omaha.
[pg 419 photo Frank J. Svoboda]
On March 23, 1910, he married Bessie Gillette, who was born December
12, 1884, near Denison, Iowa.
At the end of 1914 the couple moved to Verdigre, Nebraska, where his
older brother, J. J. had been running a hardware and implement
business and had engaged in other enterprises and where his younger
brother, William J. had briefly (1910-1911) been assistant cashier
at the Knox County Bank. Frank joined in a partnership with Charles
Jecminek in an existing hardware business.
In September of 1917, his brother William bought out Charles
Jecminek’s share and until the business was sold to John E. Pavlik
in January of 1948, it operated as Svoboda Brothers Hardware in the
buildings now occupied by the American Legion and Hair Designs.
Two children were born to the Svobodas: Joseph G. and May. Joseph,
born at Denison, Iowa, on January 15, 1911, died April 26, 1974. On
September 17, 1932, he married Elsie Sukup. There was one daughter,
Lois Wood. May, who was born in Omaha on May 19, 1913, married
Vernon Davey on October 18, 1941, at Hennipen, Illinois.
Frank J. Svoboda died November 15, 1952. His wife died April 21,
1969. They are buried at the Riverside Cemetery.
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