Leroy “Lee” Earl Svoboda, 75, of Mesa, Arizona passed away at St. Joseph Hospital in Phoenix on February 1, 2020. Lee was born in Frederic, Wisconsin on June 14, 1944.
Lee grew up in Duluth, Minnesota and after high school worked as a chef in many restaurants throughout Minnesota. Lee ended his career after 28 years as the dietary manager at First Light Hospital in Mora, Minnesota, where he retired.
Lee was united in marriage to Beverly Hopkins on September 9, 1972. After 47 years of marriage, Lee was often quoted as saying “Marriage was easy for me!” Lee and Bev had 3 children; Tara, Eric and Krista.
Lee and Bev retired in Mesa, Arizona 5 years ago and made it their permanent residence. He loved living in the desert with its beautiful weather, sunsets and absence of snow and cold! He enjoyed his morning walks and preferred going solo as that was his private prayer time. However, over the past few years he was unable to do his walk and had to settle for morning prayers at home.
Lee had a quick wit and dry sense of humor. Oftentimes, he and Krista were the only ones that thought he was funny. Lee’s motto through his years of illness was “SKY ABOVE ME, EARTH BELOW ME, FIRE WITHIN ME“
Lee was preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Vivian Svoboda and infant brother James Michael.
He is survived by his wife Beverly, daughters Tara Wletschak and Krista Svoboda, son Eric Svoboda and wife Jen. Grandchildren Grace, Zeb, Natalie, Jayven, Hayden and Nolan. Sister Karen (Bert) Watson, Linda (Ed) Allen, Lana Svoboda and Lisa Svoboda. Sister in law Janice (Frank) Runa, brothers in law Douglas Hopkins and Gary (Crystal) Hopkins as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15th at 11:00 AM at Desert Chapel UMC at 462 North Palo Verde Drive in Apache Junction, AZ.
The family would like to thank all the people who faithfully kept Lee in their prayers. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, who provided excellent medical care: 2946 East Banner Gateway Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85234 or Desert Chapel UMC, the church he loved, at 462 North Palo Verde Drive. Apache Junction, AZ 85120.
Lee is loved by many and I will miss his bright smile. A special friend and a great man.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lee was a great person and will be missed by so many.
Lee will be missed by so many. This gentle and sweet man was a joy to know. Bless the entire Svoboda family!
Prayers for the family and Bev. I will miss him. He was a great supervisor at the Mora hospital
I’m so glad that Tara, along with her wonderful children, moved down to AZ to spend the last 1-1/2 years with Lee and Bev. Those memories will be so powerful as all of you celebrate his life.
I always loved seeing his smiling face and visiting with him at work. He will truly be missed by many.
Lee was always a shining star. He was truly a genuine, warm and caring person with a big heart. He will be missed! Many hugs and prayers go out to you, Bev…and your family.
I remember Lee as being a kind hearted person, with a unique sense of humor. I’m so very sorry, for your loss. Sending my condolences, and prayers for the family, and Krista (big hug).
Prayers for Brb and the family. Lee was a ray of sunshine. I enjoyed our talks. He will be missed greatly
So very Sorry Bev. I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and the cookies!!!
Lee was a great neighbor and gentleman he will be missed by all who knew him!!!
Lee always had a smile on his face. He was always caring. I am sorry for your loss Bev. Prayers for you and your family.
So sorry to hear of his loss he will be missed by the world, my deepest condolences to his family & my sister Lisa, May you all walk in beauty, keeping his legacy alive through great memories & life.
Wanesia
So sorry to hear Bev. I enjoyed our talks so much being your neighbour. Number 58. I am in Phoenix until March 27. Hope to see you if you are up to it. Pat Arnel