Edward W. “Ed” Svitak was born Nov. 2, 1917, to Rudolph and Josephine Vinduska Svitak at the family farm near Pilsen.

He was raised in the Pilsen community and spent his entire life there. Being born into a farming family, it was only natural that Ed developed a strong work ethic. He worked the farm with his father and brothers and operated the family trucking business, “Svitak and Sons.” As the years passed, that work ethic and passion for farming was passed down through the generations.

As a youth, Ed developed a love for polka dances. It was not uncommon for him to drive to another state following a hard day’s work to attend a dance and then start work early the next day. His love for polka dances continued into his 90s.

On June 10, 1940, Ed was united in marriage to Ida “Frankie” Rudolph. Two daughters were born to this union, Judy and Mary Ann. Ida preceded him in death on May 19, 2009.

Ed is survived by his daughters Judy Ekert of Portland, Ore., and Mary Ann Conyers of Marion; five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

Ed passed away on Nov. 18, 2012, at St. Luke Living Center in Marion. The funeral service was Saturday morning at Pilsen with Father Darrin May officiating. Interment was in the Pilsen Cemetery.

A memorial has been established with St. Luke Living Center or the Father Kapaun Fund in care of Zeiner Funeral Home of Marion.