Sylvia Jean Neitzel, 82, of Lincoln, NE passed away on Monday, March 10th, 2025. She was born on December 29th in Lincoln, NE to Charlie and Bessie Svoboda. She grew up on a farm near Hallam, NE, and graduated from Crete High School before attending Lincoln Business College in Lincoln. Throughout her life, she worked in various fields, always bringing kindness and generosity to those around her. Sylvia had a giving heart – she collected things just in case she could share them with someone in need. Sylvia’s kindness, generosity, and warmth will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Neitzel; her children, Phillip A. Payne, Albuquerque, NM; Sherri Henderson, Detroit, MI, and Lily A. Payne, Lincoln, NE. She was a proud grandmother to Priscilla Hernandez, Omaha; Jasmin Wilson, Detroit, MI and Willie Johnson, Ft Campbell, KY; Lilyane Versch (Jesse Versch), Lincoln; Miranda Sanchez (Fiancé, Derek Hess), Lincoln; Isaac Sanchez, Lincoln; and an “adopted” son by love, Reese Kavanagh, also Lincoln; She leaves behind eleven cherished great grandchildren. Sylvia is also survived by her sister, Carol Clair, Lincoln, as well as her niece, Elaine Clair, and nephew, Jim Clair, who held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles J. and Bessie L. Svoboda; brother Charles A. Svoboda; brother-in-law John “Jack” Clair; and her great grand-daughter Rose Hess.
Cremation. Homegoing and Celebration of Life services will be held at Rudge Chapel in Wyuka Cemetery, Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at 2 pm.
Flowers may be sent to Wyuka the day prior to services. Monetary donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to FoodNet, P.O. Box 29764, Lincoln, NE 68529 or Center for People (in Need), 3901 N. 27th St., Lincoln, NE 68521.
Grandma Sylvia you were such a blessing and brought so much joy and happiness into this world we live in. You always knew how to turn someone’s sadness into sunshine ! You will forever be my angel! Thank you for all you taught me. You taught me that god will guide you through the toughest battles and to never give up you taught me that to always be grateful for what we got cause not everyone gets what’s we get. I love you grandma you dance up there okay cause you had you had the best moves . I love you my sweet angel .