Thomas John Svobodny

Thomas Svobodny, 82, of Willmar, died Monday, March 16th at Edgewood Vista Memory Care in Duluth. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 21st at Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service at the church. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Willmar. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Thomas John Svobodny was born May 16, 1943, in Roseland, the son of Raymond and Mary Svobodny.  Tom attended high school in Danube and was the starting center on the 1961 basketball team that played in the state tournament.  Following high school, Tom enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Norfolk, VA.  While home on leave, Tom was united in marriage to Jayne Miller on December 15th, 1962.  During his time in the Navy, Tom learned to repair typewriters, a trade which enabled him to start his own typewriter repair business in Willmar in 1965.  Tom’s typewriter business eventually evolved into electronic cash registers and remained in business for over fifty years.

Tom was known for having many hobbies he was very passionate about, which included restoring cars, collecting antiques, riding snowmobiles and hunting pheasants.  Those who knew Tom understood he was a prankster who enjoyed laughing at himself just as much as at others.  Tom had a big heart, a big personality and his passing will leave a big hole with his family who loved him very much.

Tom is survived by his son, Jon (and Nicole) and daughter, Kari; his brother, Robert and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jayne; son, Tommy; grandson, Adam; and his brother, Gary.

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