DONNA J. SVANDA

DONNA J. SVANDA

1942-2021

Donna J. Svanda passed away on December 23, 2021 at the age of 79. She was born on April 17, 1942 to Joseph and Blanche (Kunc) Svanda of Virginia, Nebraska at the old Pawnee Hospital Annex. Donna was the eldest of four children: Kermit, Janet and Lois. Donna enjoyed every minute with her siblings and their many outings.

Donna attended school at Virginia, Nebraska, graduating in the class of 1959. Donna attended Business school at National Business Institute in Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1976, Donna started her job at the Pawnee County Assessor’s Office. She thoroughly enjoyed her job at the courthouse and all the people she was able to visit with through the years. She retired from the courthouse in 2012.

Donna was married to Bob Blecha on December 4, 1960 in Virginia, NE. In this marriage, the couple welcomed two sons, Douglas Blecha and Gregory Blecha. Donna loved being a mother and cherished every moment she was able to spend with her two boys. In 1989, Bob Blecha and Donna divorced but were still able to remain good friends up to her last day.

Donna was a very proud grandmother of two beautiful granddaughters; Nicole and Natalie. Donna and her granddaughters made many memories that they will never forget.

In 1963, Bob Blecha, Table Rock Bob Blecha, Bob Stepanek, and Milan Tomek organized and started the Bob Blecha and the Bouncing Czechs, a seven-piece band. In 1967, Donna purchased a red Drum set in Beatrice, and was invited to join the Bouncing Czechs. Her first dance job was a wedding dance. She was always so happy to be sitting behind her drum set and waving her drumstick at everyone in the crowd.

Donna and Bob Stepanek began their relationship and created a life revolving around their love for polka music, traveling, and keeping each other on their toes.

Donna loved people and visiting for hours on end. She was also a big Husker and Chief fan. Donna knew no stranger and made everyone feel loved. Donna loved life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute.

Donna is survived by her significant other, Robert Stepanek; her two children Doug Blecha of Beatrice, and Greg Blecha and Yvonne Williams of Pawnee City, NE; her granddaughters Nicole Wilken of Auburn, NE and Natalie Blecha of Tecumseh, NE; her brother Kermit (Sue) Svanda of Nehawka, NE; her sister Janet (John) Vetrovsky of Pawnee City; Lois (Ron) Tegtmeier of Burchard, NE; ex-husband Robert Blecha and Connie Dorn of Pawnee City, NE and several nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Blanche Svanda; and her nephew Todd Tegtmeier

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the Christian Church/United Presbyterian Church, Pawnee City. Officiating was Pastor Howard Blecha.

Visitation was on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary 919 G Street, Pawnee City. Interment was at the Czech National Cemetery, Southwest of Humboldt. The service will be live-streamed on the Wherry Mortuary/Wherry Monument Facebook page. Memorials are suggested to family choice. On line condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com .

Nemaha County Herald

PO Box 250
Auburn, NE 68305
PH: (402) 274-3185
FAX: (402) 274-3273

DONNA J. SVANDA | The Nemaha County Herald

Error

The website encountered an unexpected error. Please try again later.