John B. Svoboda's Obituary
A Funeral Mass will be held, 10:00 Thursday, January 14th at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church for John Belknap Svoboda Jr. Recitation of the Rosary will precede the mass at 9:30 AM.
John passed away peacefully January 10th 2010 in Portland at the age of 90.
Born November 16, 1919 in Aberdeen, Washington to John & Florence Bredeen Svoboda, he was the eldest of 3 sons. The family moved to Scappoose in 1920 where they owned and operated Florence Auto Park until 1966.
John was an enlisted member of the US Coast Guard during WW II and stationed in Newport, Oregon. Upon becoming a commissioned officer he served in Alaska aboard a buoy tender.
John worked in the family business for about 10 years after his military service. He later enrolled and received his degree in accounting from the University of Portland. He continued his education at Portland State and received his teaching certificate. He taught for 23 years for the Scappoose School District.
He married Evangeline "Van" Nelson, February 8, 1947 in Scappoose and had 3 children.
He is survived by:
Sons; Michael Svoboda of San Diego, Ca, Patrick Svoboda of Corvallis, OR and daughter, Janice Rassmussen of Portland, OR 5 grandchildren and brother James Svoboda of St Helens, OR.
He was preceded in death by "Van" in 1992.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church Food Bank.
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