Dick W. Svobodny, age 70, of Spring Lake in Jordan, died suddenly Thursday, April 12, 2012 at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee.  Dick was born to William S. & Helen (Kajer) Svobodny in New Prague, on August 21, 1941.  He graduated from St. John’s University and the U of M with a degree in electrical engineering.  He married Diana R. Benes on June 22, 1963, in New Prague.  After working for Univac in St. Paul, he spent most of his career with the John Deere Co. in Cedar Falls, IA until his retirement in 2000.  The couple moved back to Spring Lake in 2006.  Dick was active in the Cedar Falls High School Booster Club and most recently volunteered at Red Pine Elementary School in Prior Lake and East View Elementary School in Lakeville.

Dick is survived by his wife, Diana; children, Doug (& Patty) Svobodny, Deb (& David) Griffith; grandchildren, Shannon & Krystin Svobodny, Andrew & Nicholas Griffith; sisters, Shirley Scheffert & Mary Svobodny.  He is preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Mary Ann (Busch) Slavik Svobodny.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 16, 2012 at 10 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague.  Visitation will occur at Bruzek Funeral Home Sunday from 4 – 8 PM and Monday from 7:30 – 9:30 AM.  Burial will occur in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.  There will be a lunch at the KC Hall following the burial.