Age 97
George Odvody died peacefully in his sleep July 25, 2025 at his home in Apache Junction, AZ. He was born November 19, 1927 on the family farm outside of Prague to Joe and Tillie Odvody. He was the youngest of 3 children, all boys. He started his education at the District 51 one-room schoolhouse and then went on to graduate from Prague High School in (1944). After graduation, George worked on the family farm. In 1950 George’s life would change dramatically. He met the girl of his dreams, Charlene Tawney, and the Korean War was beginning. He joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to Korea where he saw action on the front line for 7 months. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. George married Charlene Tawney in July of 1951 while on leave from the Army. After being discharged from the Army, George began farming in Morse Bluff where he and Charlene raised 3 children.
After the loss of his wife Charlene in 1980, George was blessed again when he met Ann Calvert while on a trip to Arizona to visit brother Don and his wife Dean. Neither George nor Ann was looking for a new life partner but they both realized that they were meant to be together. They soon married and enjoyed many years together farming, traveling, spending time at their Colorado mountain cabin and spending winters in Arizona. They retired from farming in 1992 and made AZ their permanent home.
George was known for his passion for racing cars and riding motorcycles. He raced cars competitively for 17 years and was known as the “Flying Farmer” to the fans and competitors. When his racing days ended his passion remained as he seldom missed a NASCAR race on television.
George is survived by his devoted wife Ann, his daughter Susan Cylke (Andy) of El Cajon, CA and Granddaughter Sara Cylke (Sean O’Donnell) of Encinitas, CA.
George was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Don and Leonard, first wife Charlene, daughter Nancy and son Mike.
The burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery in North Bend, Nebraska.
Online condolences may be left at https://mountainviewfuneralhomeandcemetery.com/obituary/george-h-odvody/.
Susan, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your Dad. He was a nice man and well respected in the Morse Bluff community. He was the same age and graduated in the same class as my aunt Maxine Chvatal Bolte. I remember my folks taking us to car races in David City to watch him race. Remember the good times we had walking beans at your Grandpa’s and Grandma’s farm. Your grandma was such a good cook. Your grandpa was great to visit with. I think about those times whenever I go back to Prague and Morse Bluff and drive by their farm. Blessings to you and your family. Take care. Karen Chvatal Michaelson
Susan, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your Dad. He was a nice man and well respected in the Morse Bluff community. He was the same age and graduated in the same class as my aunt Maxine Chvatal Bolte. I remember my folks taking us to car races in David City to watch him race. Remember the good times we had walking beans at your Grandpa’s and Grandma’s farm. Your grandma was such a good cook. Your grandpa was great to visit with. I think about those times whenever I go back to Prague and Morse Bluff and drive by their farm. Blessings to you and your family. Take care. Karen Chvatal Michaelson