Joseph Svoboda Wannarka

Joesph “Joey” Svoboda Wannarka, 42, of Rochester,MN, died on Friday (May 2, 2025) from complications of a lifelong illness with Spina Bifida at Edenbrook in Rochester.

Joesph Thomas Svoboda was born on May 21, 1982 in  Show Lo,AZ  to Thomas and Mary (Crawford) Svoboda. He became the foster son of Bill and Tami Wannarka on May 2, 1984. He grew up in Stewartville where he attended special education classes with many caring teachers and paras and with his loving Wannarka family’s support, graduated from  Stewartville HS in 2002. He was active in 4-H  as a young student in school. Joey moved to Rochester where he lived independent from his family in a house with roommates and was employed by PossAbilities and ABC.  Through his health journey he lived in various group homes in SE Minnesota , most recently at Edenbrook Rochester. Joey was a very social individual who enjoyed going to church, shopping, camping, playing video games and loved animals especially his dog Trapper. Joey loved time spent with his many friends and family, especially his parents, his sister and brothers.

Joey is survived by his parents – Tamera Johnston(Kris Olson) of Rochester,MN and William(Patricia) Wannarka of Wykoff,MN; 1 sister and 2 brothers - Brandon(Heather) Wannarka and Talon,Alyssa,Eilley and Adam of Spring Valley,OH; Travis(Michelle) Wannarka and William and Layla of Fairbanks,Alaska and Danielle Wannarka of St. Paul,MN; maternal grandmother – Sandy Johnston of Woodbury,MN and many loving Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He was preceded in death by his father – Thomas , his paternal grandparents  -Elmer and Doris Wannarka, maternal grandfather – Wayne Johnston and his uncle – Tracy Johnston.                                                                              

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday (June 14, 2025) at Grace Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Andrew Langseth officiating.  A time of visitation for family and friends will take place 1 hr. prior to the service at the church on Saturday morning. A private family burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Joey are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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