Diane Marie Svoboda

Diane Marie Svoboda, 84, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Summit Pointe Memory Care in Marion. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where the family will greet friends for one hour prior to Mass. Inurnment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, next to her husband. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

Diane was born on October 19, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Rudolph John and Genevieve Elaine (Majewski) Grishaber. She was a graduate of Regis High School and went on to attend Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Diane was united in marriage to John Joseph Svoboda on May 27, 1967, in Cedar Rapids. Diane dedicated nearly 40 years of her life to the medical profession as a Medical Technologist at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, where she fostered many friendships, before her retirement in 1998. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

Diane was known for her artistic flair and her creativity shone through in many aspects of her life. She even handmade personal greeting cards for every Christmas and special occasions for friends and family. Diane had a special place in her heart for all animals. She dearly loved her dogs and grand dogs, especially Kody, Paula, and Scully. She had a profound love for travel, particularly enjoying her journeys out west, where Diane created many cherished memories. Most of all, Diane held family close to her heart, often expressing that time spent with loved ones was among her greatest joys. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Diane is survived and lovingly remembered by her three children, Philip (Michelle) Svoboda of Marshalltown, Iowa, Mark (Melanie) Svoboda and Ann Svoboda, both of Marion; four grandsons, Devon (Hope) Svoboda, James (Isabella) Svoboda, Dylan Svoboda (fiancé, Klara Johanson), and Jacob Svoboda; brother-in-law, David (Delores) Svoboda of Marion; two sisters-in-law, Shelly Svoboda of Washington, Iowa, and Theresa (Wayne) Alberts of Cedar Rapids; many nieces and nephews; and grand-fur babies.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 52 years, John Svoboda; and two brothers-in-law, Thomas Jr. (Betty) Svoboda and Steven Svoboda.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to both the staff at Summit Pointe and with Hospice of Mercy for all the love, care, and support they gave to Diane during her stay and final days.

Memorials in Diane’s memory may be directed to the family to be designated at a later date.