Svoboda Funeral Home

05/18/2026

Gladys Masek Cajka was born to Mary and William Masek on February 17, 1930, in Weston Nebraska. She died Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Saunders County Care Home in Wahoo, Nebraska.

Gladys was married to Ernest Cajka, Sr., on May 31, 1951. The couple had six children and lived on a farm outside of Wahoo, until they moved to town in 1968. In 1980, Gladys received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Throughout her life she taught at country schools in the Saunders County area and later at St. John’s Elementary School in Weston, NE.

Gladys was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Senior Choir for 60 years and was the organist for 30 years. She was active in many church and area organizations. She was a member of the St. Ludmilla’s Guild, the Retired Teachers Association, Camp Creek Threshers. She was also a 4-H leader for many years.

Gladys served on the board of the Saunders County Historical Society from 1994 to 2011. She was on the committee that produced the 1983 Saunders County History Book. Gladys was active in Gen Seekers, a local genealogy organization. In addition to being the Masek family historian, she spent many hours researching genealogy requests from other families.

Gladys is survived by her children David, Wahoo, Laurie (Patrick) Loughney, Arizona, Elizabeth, Omaha, Julie Hartshorn, Omaha, Ernest, Jr., (Valerie) Lincoln, two grandchildren, Jamie Cajka and Samantha Cajka, both of Lincoln, and her sister, Georgianette Downen of Arizona,

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband Ernest, Sr., son John, son-in-law Nicholas Hartshorn, brothers Larry Masek and Leonard Masek, sisters Genevieve Muench and Grace Carrier.

Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday (5/20/26) 10:00 am at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wahoo, NE

Visitation, Tuesday (5/19/26) 5-7 pm with a 7:00 pm Rosary all at the church.

Interment at St. Francis Cemetery in Wahoo.

Memorials in care of the family for future designations.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

05/16/2026

David B. Uhlik, 60 of Malmo, NE entered into eternal rest on Friday, May 15, 2026 in Omaha, NE. He was born October 29, 1965 in Omaha, NE to Bohumil “Ted” and Lorraine (Ortmeier) Uhlik. David graduated from Bishop Neumann High School in 1984.

David was a man with a deep love for his family — with him, family always came first. He cherished every opportunity to visit with his nephews, niece, great-nephews, and great-niece, creating many memories. Dave held family traditions close to his heart, especially during the holidays. Throughout the year, he would thoughtfully search for the perfect gift for each person he loved, finding joy in giving and making others feel special.

Growing up, Dave loved sports, especially baseball and football, which remained his favorites throughout his life. As he got older, he discovered a talent for cooking. He never needed a recipe — he simply had a gift for creating delicious meals from scratch. Dave was also an avid collector who loved the thrill of finding a hidden treasure.

Over the years, Dave worked a variety of jobs, but the role that brought him the greatest fulfillment was caring for his parents. With dedication and love, he made sure they were able to remain in the home they loved. His sense of humor, quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to family will be remembered always.

David is survived by his mother, Lorriane Uhlik; sister, Darlene (John) Kolterman; brother-in-law, Lyle Maly; nephews and niece, Sam, Grant and Sarah Kolterman, Trevor Maly; great-nephews and niece, Miles, Waylon and EllieMae Maly.

David was preceded in death by his father, Bohumil “Ted” Uhlik; sister, Linda Maly; nephew, Noah Kolterman; grandparents, Joe & Julia Ortmeier, Ted & Lillian Uhlik.

Mass of Christian Burial, Friday (5/22/26) at 10:00 am at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Weston, NE

Visitation, Thursday (5/21/26) from 5-7 pm with a 7:00 pm Rosary all at the church.
Interment at St. John Cemetery in Weston, NE

Memorials to St. John Nepomucene School.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

05/15/2026

Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Ourada passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. He was born July 28, 1955, in North Bend, NE to Raymond and Gladys (Brecka) Ourada.

Larry grew up on a farm northwest of Prague. He attended Country School District #80 through the 8th grade and graduated from Prague High School in 1973. On February 16, 1980, he married Cynthia Lynn Henderson. After briefly living in Abie, NE, they relocated a farmhouse in 1981 to their current property northwest of Prague, where Larry farmed and resided for the rest of his life.

A lifelong farmer from the age of 18, Larry’s hands tell the story of hard work, hard lessons, and tough love. He held a natural instinct for the weather and cared deeply for his cattle and the land.

To those who knew him best, he was “Joda” or “Hutch.” Larry found joy in the simple things. He enjoyed hunting, particularly with the original Outlaws from The Prague Coyote Club, and he loved fishing at his private oasis on the lake behind his home. A clever handyman and inventor, he could build nearly anything with a hammer and a roll of duct tape. He was always up for a good auction or sale, returning home with great bargains and unique finds.

Larry had music in his soul. He loved polka, old country, and classic rock, often singing along with his impressive vocal range. He was an expert gardener and loved sharing his harvest with family and friends. He was also a good cook. He was a great storyteller with a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and wit. Above all, Larry lived with genuine heart and pride.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cindi of Prague; son Jesse (Shelly) of Wahoo; daughter Linne (Kris) of Cedar Bluffs; grandchildren Ryker, Aja, and Everett; four sisters, Patty (Rodney) Polodna of Schuyler, Sharon (Ron) Bos of Clarkson, Diane (Ron) Prochaska of Abie, and Carol Martinez of Ulysses; brother-in-law, Tony (Deana) Henderson of Wahoo; sister-in-law Joanie (James) Vanek of Prague; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Gladys Ourada; his brother, Marvin Ourada; his sister-in-law Diane (Arney) Ourada. And his dog “Toto” Ourada.

The family would like to invite his many friends, neighbors, and extended family to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30, 2026, 5:00 - 9:00 pm at the Parish Hall in Prague, Nebraska.

Memorial in care of the family for future designations.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

05/15/2026

Faviola Rodriguez, 68, of Wahoo, NE, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in Wahoo, NE. She was born June 28, 1957 in San Martin, Mexico to Antonio Rodriguez and Maria Medel. Faviola graduated from Stela Maris Nursing School. She owned and operated R & M Roofing in Wahoo, NE for 28 years.

Faviola found joy in life’s simple pleasures — tending to her garden, taking walks, cooking for those she loved, traveling, dancing, and especially spoiling her beloved grandsons. She cherished boat rides on Lake Poinsett and treasured every family gathering. Known for her generous heart and endless energy, Faviola was always keeping busy and caring for others, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Ruben Rojas; children, Alexandra (James) Elliott, Daisy Rojas and Esmeralda Perez; grandchildren, Charles Elliott, Oliver Elliott and Adrian Elliott; siblings, Raul (Juana) Rodriguez, Macrina (Francisco) Medel and Carolina (Francisco) Escobar.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Maria Leonarda Rodriguez Medel; siblings Pascual Rodriguez, Maria de la Luz Rodriguez, Rafael Rodriguez, Benjamin Rodriguez, Heraclio Rodriguez and Roberto Rodriguez; many other family members and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial, Monday (5/18/2026) 10:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 214 E. 2nd St., Wahoo, NE.
Celebrant, Fr. Jeffrey Eickhoff.
Visitation, Sunday (5/17/2026) 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with 7:00 p.m. Rosary all at Church.
Interment at St. Francis Cemetery, Wahoo, NE.

Memorials in car of the family or Masses.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Arrangements by Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE

05/12/2026

Joseph “Joe” Tomsicek, 96, of Wahoo, NE, entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Saunders Medical Center in Wahoo, NE. He was born March 13, 1930 in Weston, NE to Joseph and Hedvika (Zejda) Tomsicek. Joe served his country in the U.S. Air Force until he was honorably discharged on September 30, 1959.

Joe was a member of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in Plasi, NE and he was a long-time caretaker of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery. He was a member of the Prague American Legion Post #254 and the Knights of Columbus #1833.

He is survived by nephew, Dennis Tomsicek of Garden City, KS; niece, Betty Tomsicek of Lincoln, NE; great-nephew, James Tomsicek of Las Vegas, NV; great-niece, Michelle (Cory) Hardy of Franklin, MA; great-great-niece and nephew, Rilynn and Kase Hardy of Franklin, MA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Hedvika Tomsicek; brother, Laddie (Regina) Tomsicek; nephew, Duane Tomsicek.

Memorial Mass, Saturday (5/23/2026) 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 2880 County Road O, Prague, NE.
Celebrant, Fr. Carson Kain.
Visitation, Saturday 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. with a 9:30 a.m. Rosary all at Church.
Joe requested that his body be donated to the Nebraska Anatomical Board, so a burial will be held at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials to Sts. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery or Masses.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

05/12/2026

Dennis “Reed” LaPage Jr., 66, of Lincoln, NE, entered into rest on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at his home in Lincoln, NE. He was born May 1, 1960 in Lincoln, NE to Dennis and Judith (Ackerman) LaPage.
Reed was married to Amy (McMillan) Sacca on May 1, 2026 in Lincoln, NE. He worked as a truck driver for many years. Some of Reed’s hobbies were hunting and trap shooting in his earlier years, shooting pool, fishing and woodworking. He always loved watching his grandkid’s sporting events and he was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.

He is survived by his wife, Amy Sacca; son, Josh (Lindsay) LaPage; daughter, Logan (Taylor) Miller; step-children, Mason (Sammy) McMillan and Alex (Angel) Sacca; grandchildren, Landon LaPage, Riyker Miller, Easton Miller, Taygan Miller and Zander Miller; step-grandchildren, Adriana Ryan, Aubrey McMillan, Mason McMillan Jr., Claire Pett, Addy Gray, Michael “Bubba” Gray and Harper Pett; siblings, Robin LaPage and Renee (Jeff) Hartman; many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis LaPage Sr.; mother, Judith Bolejack; step-father, Nicholas Bolejack; nephew, Justin Haase; cousins, Trevor Underwood and Kevin LaPage.

A celebration of life will be held at a late date.
Memorials in care of the family.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

05/07/2026

05/04/2026

William “Skeeter” Wesley Howlett, lifelong music buff, master tinkerer, proud grass-mowing enthusiast, and unofficial encyclopedia of songs, passed away on May 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy equal parts laughter, love, and an impressive music collection.

Skeeter was born July 28, 1952, in Crete to Fred L. and Beulah (Formanek) Howlett. His nickname came early, courtesy of the local fire department, who were building ball fields on land his parents had donated. Young Skeeter hovered nearby constantly—asking questions, making friends, and buzzing from one conversation to the next—earning him a nickname that stuck for the next seven decades.

He often recalled riding along with his father on the Howlett Produce delivery route and learning carpentry from his Grandpa Jim Formanek—skills that later showed up in decks, garages, and at least one well-loved treehouse. He had a knack for taking things apart to see how they worked and, fortunately, usually putting them back together again.

A 1970 graduate of Dorchester High School, Skeeter turned his curiosity and mechanical instincts into a career. He worked at Mike’s Music in Lincoln repairing jukeboxes and arcade games—making him one of the few people who could fix your machine and tell you who originally recorded the song playing on it. He later worked as a maintenance electrician at Alpo, where he took pride in keeping things running smoothly. If something broke, he’d figure it out. If he couldn’t, he’d give you a very confident explanation of why.

In 1982, he married Janis (Fullerton), gaining three sons—Jamie, Billy, and Tim—and later welcoming a daughter, Chelsea. Together they built a life on their acreage, complete with a mix of carefully chosen animals and the occasional stray cat Skeeter would befriend and promise a lifetime supply of food from the company store. Over the years, they turned their property into a gathering place, adding a pond and a cabin that hosted countless BBQs, fishing trips, fireworks shows, and long conversations—often with Skeeter nearby, mid-story or mid-project.

Music was a lifelong passion. He dabbled in instruments and could name a song within seconds—along with who wrote it, the color of the original record label, and what was on the B-side. He brought that passion to others as a DJ with Saturday Night Special and Skeet’s Karaoke, creating nights full of laughter, questionable singing, and great memories.

He was, without question, a “good time Charlie”—the kind of person who made any gathering better just by showing up and turning up the music. But there was more to him than that. Skeeter faced life’s harder challenges head-on, including overcoming alcohol addiction—proving he could work on himself just as skillfully as anything he built or repaired.

He loved being a grandfather—arguably his favorite role. During the pandemic, he made the most of unexpected time at home, helping his grandsons Jesse and Franklin through virtual school in a setup affectionately known as “Howlett Elementary.” Whether he was explaining lessons or keeping them on task, he was there—usually with a comment, a joke, or a suggestion for a better way to do it.

If you couldn’t find Skeeter fixing something or talking about music, you could probably find him mowing. Five acres was no small job, but he took pride in it, often alongside Janis, who always had a new plant or project in mind. The to-do list—and the in-progress list—was always growing.

In retirement, he and Janis looked forward to traveling in their camper. Though illness cut some of those plans short, they still made meaningful memories on the road and on the water in their pontoon boat.

Skeeter was preceded in death by his parents, Fred L. and Beulah Howlett; his brothers, Fred J. Howlett and John Howlett; and his son, Billy Bates.

He is survived by his wife, Janis (Fullerton) Howlett; his children, Jamie (Suzanne) Bates, Tim (Linda) Bates, and Chelsea (Logan) Weideman; his grandchildren, Anthony (Katie) Bates, Dillon Bates, Jackson (Marisa) Bates, Cooper (Genna) Bates, Mollie Bates, Griffin (Sydney) Bates, Carson (Megan) Bates, and Jesse, Franklin, William, and Henry Weideman; his great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Caroline, Graham, and Pierce Bates; his siblings, Robin Malin-Howlett, Wayne (Marsha) Howlett, Joyce Howlett, and Ruth (Greg) Luedtke; and many nieces and nephews.

Skeeter will be remembered for his stories, his generous spirit, and his ability to fix just about anything. He could be sarcastic and a little cranky—often joking that he was the Grinch—but those who knew him best knew his heart was anything but small. He never turned down a kid fundraising and was always willing to help someone going through a hard time. He leaves behind a family who will miss him deeply and a lifetime of memories filled with laughter, music, and love.

Please join in sharing memories and celebrating a man who truly never met a stranger. Friends and family are invited to his Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 9, from 9:30–11:00 a.m. at the American Legion in Dorchester, Nebraska.

Memorials to the family with a charity to be designated at a later date.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

04/29/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Constance Marie (Cejka) Hallam, better known as Connie, who passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025.

Born on June 10, 1938, in Wahoo, Nebraska, Connie lived a life defined by creativity, confidence, and a love of beauty in all its forms. She was a woman of grace, elegance, and style. Connie had a lifelong passion for photography, capturing the world through her unique perspective, and she delighted in fashion and personal expression. She was also known for her love of a good party, often bringing energy, laughter, and charm wherever she went.

She is survived by her son, Lee Scott Hallam, and his wife Jan; her grandchildren Jacob and Erica Hallam, and Travis Hallam; and her brothers George Cejka and Allen Cejka, who will forever cherish her memory.

A celebration of Connie’s life will be held on Sunday (5/31/2026) 1:00 – 5:00 pm at Starlite Event Center, 2045 County Road K, Wahoo, NE.

Connie was creative, independent, and vibrant. She approached the world with curiosity and flair, embracing beauty and laughter wherever she found them. Though she is gone from our sight, her unique presence and joyful energy will long be remembered.

Arrangement by Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, NE

04/28/2026

Carroll Gene Bohaty, 84, of Wahoo, NE, entered into eternal rest after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at South Haven Living Center in Wahoo, NE. He was born March 30, 1942, in Seward, NE, to Vincent and Olga (Fredlick) Bohaty. Carroll attended District #87 school through the 8th grade and graduated from Seward High School in 1960. After high school, Carroll served on active duty in the U.S. Army National Guard (Seward Infantry Unit), followed by reserve duty the until he was honorably discharged in 1964. He started working at Benes Service in Valparaiso upon returning home from active service in 1961. He worked for Benes Service near Valparaiso for 65 years as a farm mechanic. Carroll loved working with farmers and repairing all types of machinery, especially Minneapolis-Moline tractors. There wasn't a machine he couldn't fix. He was also self-employed, renting out trenchers and Bobcat skid-steers, and he sharpened discs for local farmers.

On August 20, 1967, Carroll was married to his first love Shirley A. Stover at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Lincoln, NE, and to this union two sons were born, Steve and Tim. After living in Lincoln and Rising City, Carroll and Shirley moved to Wahoo in 1970 and lived there until Shirley passed in 1994. Carroll married his second love Louise Miller Henkel on April 5, 1997, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wahoo, NE.

Carroll had his own airplane in the late 1970s and 80s and flew a lot of short weekend excursions with his wife, Shirley, and their two sons. Carroll and Shirley also had a camper which they enjoyed very much on family trips in Nebraska, Colorado, Minnesota, and Canada. With Louise, Carroll enjoyed traveling around the U.S. and made trips to several European countries over the past 30 years. Visiting Normandy, France, was a particular highlight. He especially enjoyed visiting many museums on these trips and reading about their history. On weekends he enjoyed playing cards with friends and spending time and eating out with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carroll was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, American Legion Post #371, Aircraft Owners and Pilot Assc., and the Wahoo Eagles.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Louise Bohaty; children, Steve M. (Laura Pea) Bohaty of Heidelberg, Germany, and Tim A. (Jill) Bohaty of Lincoln, NE; step-children, Eric (Toni) Henkel of Gladstone, NE, Susan (Tim) Likens of Swanton, NE, and Evan (Amy) Henkel of Bennington, NE; grandchildren, Benjamin Bohaty, Ty Bohaty, and Alexis Bohaty, Iside A. Bohaty and Enea V. Bohaty; step-grandchildren, Levi (Hannah) Likens, Emma (James) Brown, Katlyn (Matt) Grimes, Travis Likens, Emmitt E. Henkel, Eastin E. (Maycee) Henkel, Ethen E. Henkel, and Elliot E. Henkel; great-grandchildren, Charlie Brown, Sawyer Brown, Milo Grimes, Alec Grimes and Clara Grimes; siblings, Kenneth Bohaty of Seward, NE, Gary (Caron) Bohaty of Seaford, DE, and Bonnie Montgomery of Lincoln, NE; sisters-in-law Diana Stover Tillinghast of Mountain View, CA, Marge Huelman of Storm Lake, IA, Janette (Larry) Mosley of Sherburn, MN, Barbara Holmes of Springfield, MO, Lois Miller of St. Mary, KS and Maxine McCarthy of Ayshire, IA; brother-in-law Kenneth (Patti) Miller of Storm Lake, IA; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley A. Stover Bohaty; parents, Vincent and Olga Bohaty; parents-in-law, Marvin and Maxine Stover and William and Mary Miller; brothers-in-law, Ronald Stover, William Tillinghast, Roger Miller, James McCarthy, and Gene Huelman.

Mass of Christian Burial, Friday (5/1/2026) 10:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 214 E. 2nd St., Wahoo, NE.
Concelebrants, Fr. Jeffrey Eickhoff and Fr. Charles Townsend.
Visitation, Thursday (4/30/2026) 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with 7:00 p.m. Rosary all at Church.
Interment at St. Francis Cemetery, Wahoo, NE.
Military Honors by U.S. National Guard and American Legion Post #371.

In lieu of flowers memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.con to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624

04/21/2026

Arlene Jane Shreve, 87, of Omaha, NE, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, NE. She was born January 20, 1939 in Prague, NE to Anton and Antoinette (Vanek) Cernohlavek. Arlene graduated from Brainard High School.

Through the years, Arlene worked for Swanson Foods, she was a real estate salesman in LaVista and worked for Woodman of the World. Arlene enjoyed gardening, traveling and camping.
She is survived by her children, Mark (Kathy) Fisher, Eric Fisher and Michelle (Chet) Dreesen; grandchildren, Anthony, Chelsea, Antoinette, Mary, Sarah and Kay; sister, Bernice (Dick) Sieber; many great-grandchildren and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ralph Fisher and Warren Shreve; life partner, Larry Bouza; parents, Anton and Antoinette Cernohlavek; brothers, Richard Cernohlavek and Leroy Cernohlavek.

Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday (4/30/2026) 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 2880 Co. Rd. O, Prague, NE.
Celebrant, Fr. Carson Kain.
Interment at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Cemetery, Plasi, NE.

Memorials to the Nebraska Humane Society.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.

Svoboda Funeral Home
211 N. Linden Street
Wahoo, NE 68066
402-443-3624