Obituary of Timothy Daniel Svoboda

Timothy Daniel Svoboda, of Stockholm, WI, passed away at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis MN on October 18, 2024. Tim was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Mary Anne Collins-Svoboda, his parents Peggy and Harry Svoboda, and siblings Dave, Audrey, Sally, and Harry. He is survived by daughters Erica, Tori, and Sonja (Hall), grandsons Hunter and Tanner Johnson.

Born on July 30, 1941, Tim grew up in Eau Claire WI, graduating from Regis High School in 1959. The youngest of five, Tim often told stories of childhood, including spending summers in Augusta, WI, developing a love of fresh vegetables straight from the farm, and playing with his siblings’ kids, who referred to him as “Uncle Timmy.”

Tim joined the Navy after high school, serving for six years. His identity as a Navy Veteran was important to him. He enjoyed being able to see the world; his time in the service cultivated his love of maps and travel. After careers as a cook, a real estate agent, a factory worker, he discovered his talents in wood-working and restoring horse drawn vehicles, creating Svoboda Coach Works in the mid 1980s. This later led to opening Amish Country Quilts & Furniture, a staple of Stockholm WI for over 20 years.

Tim often remarked that Stockholm was the first place that “felt like home” as an adult. He loved the view of Lake Pepin from his home, and seeing eagles along the bluffs. A man of detail, precision, and vision, he loved designing, inventing, and creating new things, including contributing to the design of Amish Heritage Furniture. After losing his leg in a motorcycle accident, Tim found a way to distribute a European motorcycle gear shift that would allow amputees in the U.S.  to still ride. He enjoyed talking with other veterans who experienced amputation about the difficult transition.

He was known for his sarcastic wit and healthy skepticism, perhaps borne of living with chronic pain and clinical depression his entire adult life. Yet he still found joy in motorcycling, nature, art, animals, and music, especially blues. An old friend of his will be taking his ashes on a cross-country ride so he can get back out on that open road one more time.

Family are gathering privately for a celebration of his life at Mancini’s steakhouse, to honor the Svoboda and Vollhaber families’ roots in the West 7th area of St. Paul, MN. His daughters are grateful to the Mpls VAMC staff, who took good care of him for more than 60 years. We are also grateful to all the friends and family who have supported us throughout the years.