Rose was 91 years young and born in Lawrence, Nebraska to Frank A. and Mary Svoboda. She was an excellent speller and was proud to talk about the First Place she took in a High School competition. She had to put her nursing career on hold to help around the family farm when her brother was called up to serve in WWII. She met her husband of 64 years, Albert, at a dance in Lawrence. Albert had a job at the Lincoln Regional Center and was able to find a job for Rose as a floor aide. They were married on September 21, 1948. Al and Rosie loved to go dancing at dance halls around Lincoln and throughout the state. Rose continued her education and was able to work in the field of recreation at LRC, where she remained for the rest of her career--54 years. She was a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. CTRS’s use games, art, and sports to help people with disabilities or illnesses. In 1997 the President’s Award was presented to her by the Nebraska Recreation and Park Association “because of outstanding contributions to the association”. In 2017 she was inducted into the Nebraska Recreation & Park Association Hall of Fame. “There is never a day I do not look forward to going to work”. Rose will be missed by her family and friends. Her words to all, especially these last few years, was “Be Kind”. These are words she lived by her whole life.
Rose is survived by her children, Roxane (Steven) Hiatt, Ronald (Theresa) and John (Shiloh); grandchildren, Jeremy (Lisa) Hiatt, Justin (Nicole) Hiatt, Timothy (Melissa) Hiatt, Robert (Tracy) Hanzlicek, Ben (Kristi) Hanzlicek, Katie Hanzlicek; great grandchildren, Jake, Jaelyn and Brooklyn Hiatt; Harrison and Hayes Hiatt; Emma, Henry and Thea Hanzlicek; Abbie, Mackenzie, Savannah, Caroline Hanzlicek; brother, Col. Lee (Pat) Svoboda and sister-in-law, Arlene Svoboda and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert and brothers, Ben (Mildred) and Bob.
Donations made to the family will go towards the Rose Hanzlicek Scholarship, NRPA, to be used for CTRS students to help with their internship and national test.
Rose spent her last two years living at The Lexington. Thank you to all the staff. Rose referred to The Lexington as "my family". We knew she was safe and well loved while living there.
Rosary will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 6:00pm and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 11:00am with all services at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, 616 S. 36th Street, Lincoln.
