Died Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at Providence Place
Mary Lou was born May 21, 1927 in Hastings to Albert and Mary Ann 'Pavelka' Svoboda. She was raised and graduated from Lawrence (Nebraska) High School in 1944. She received her teaching certificate, student taught, then returned to Hastings College for more education. She was employed as a GS-3 with the Department of Price Administration, rent control division, in Hastings for two years. When the office closed she returned to Hastings College and worked on a degree in Business Administration. She graduated in 1950. Mary Lou taught in Red Cloud for two years. She taught everything in the department and was the sponsor for the Pep Club and school newspaper, plus many other duties.
Mary Louise Svoboda married Robert Kroenke on June 11, 1951. After their marriage they moved to Lincoln where she worked again as a GS-3 with the Department of Agriculture, Regional Division. She worked there for 13 months until Bob graduated from UNL. After Bob finished his Masters in Education, the two went to Blue Hill, Ne., where she again taught all the business classes and sponsored the Pep Club and school yearbook.
The couple began their teaching careers in Fremont after moving here in 1956. Mary Lou continued her education, completing her Masters Degree. While in Fremont she raised two children, did a great deal of typing for Midland College students and for Fremont teachers. She also took care of insurance forms under both Prudential and Lincoln National Insurance companies.
In 1977 she returned to part time teaching after doing some subbing in the Fremont Senior High. She began at the Fremont Junior High with Typing 9, she then taught at both Fremont Junior and Senior High Schools for several years, and for the last 7 years taught word processing on the computers. Mary Lou retired in May of 1989, the same year Bob retired.
The couple traveled extensively over the past 30 years. Visiting all 50 states, Australia, New Zealand and 4 sea cruises. They also visited Europe 3 different times.
Mary Lou was active in St. Patrick's Catholic Church for over 50 years. She has been Eucharistic Minister, lector and marriage counselor for young people planning to get married. She also served on the Parish Council, finance boards over the years at different times and helped Bob with the St. Patrick's Catholic Youth Program and Cub Scouts several years ago.
Survivors:
Husband Robert of Fremont
Sons Steve Kroenke of Omaha
Tom (Mimi) Kroenke of Nederland, Colorado
Grandson Bridger Kroenke
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Albert Svoboda
The funeral mass will be 10am Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3-7pm with the family present from 5pm to 7pm. A wake service at will follow at 7pm all at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(10)
John Groh family
Fremont, NE Thursday, January 11, 2018 Bob:Our family's thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We sat with Mary Louise and our mother at th December 7th Christmas party at PP. She was so happy, clapping and moving o the accordian music. She was having a wonderful evening.
We know the emotions you are facing--just want you to know others are thinking of you.
Roger and Eileen Larsen
Apache Junction, AZ Thursday, January 4, 2018 Bob, Steve, and Tom - we're so sorry at your loss - our thoughts are with you and we pray that you'll find peace and hope in the promises of scripture. We remember Mary Lou as a lady of grace and unfailing kindness. Bob, we miss our chances to see you in the hospital exercise center. Gott segne euch.Duane Humphrey
Fremont, NE Wednesday, January 3, 2018 Bob,So sorry to hear about Mary Lou's death. She impacted the lives of many people. I remember her as a very caring teacher and dedicated to her students. Due to the flu bug, I am unable to attend the service, but please know my thoughts are with you.
Duane Humphrey
Lori
Fremont, NE Tuesday, January 2, 2018 Dearest Bob,My sincerest sympathies to you and your beautiful family. I will forever keep my memories I shared with Mary Lou while working at Providence Place. I always admired the love the two of you shared. She always gleamed from ear to ear when you came to visit! You truly are an amazing man, and I've been very blessed to of been able to have the two of you in my life. My deepest apologies for not being able to celebrate Mary Lou's life during her service. I unfortunately have been hit with the flu bug. Take care bob, sending big hugs and love.
Lori Maurer
Wendy Jensen Brenner
Omaha, NE Tuesday, January 2, 2018 Bob, Steve and Tom,I was so sorry to hear of Mary Lou's passing. You are in my prayers. I wish I could attend the funeral/visitation but prior commitments will prevent that.
Mary Lou was a lovely person who I greatly enjoyed knowing.
Sincerely,
Wendy Jensen Brenner
Rhonda
Fremont, NE Saturday, December 30, 2017 We are so sorry to see of your loss. Prayers to you Bob and family at this time. May she rest peacefully now.The Connerley family
Jim Chrisman
Fremont, NE Friday, December 29, 2017 Truly sorry for your loss Bob and family. My thoughts are with you. Jim Chrisman class of '72.Don Dickmeyer
Omaha, NE Friday, December 29, 2017 Bob and family, I am sorry to read that your Wife and your Mom has passed on. I remember her from when I visited with her while carrying your mail.Kathy Spicer
Ames, NE Friday, December 29, 2017 Bless your heart Mary Lou. I enjoyed sharing the last couple of years with you at Providence Place. You will be missed.Praying for you Bob, and your sons, during this difficult time. It has been a pleasure to have been part of your family’s life. May the Father’s peace rest upon you all.
Don & Jan Ortmeier
Fremont, NE Wednesday, December 27, 2017 Sincere sympathy and prayers to Mary Lou's Family.Don & Jan Ortmeier & Family