Biography

Marlys Poduska Svoboda was born in 1943 to a Czechoslovakian-American farm family near Chelsea, Iowa. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1961 and worked in Cedar Rapids as a dental assistant until marrying Lawrence Svoboda in 1966. Svoboda was a common name in the Clutier area with many related families. Lawrence and Marlys Svoboda began farming on land owned by members of the extended Svoboda family immediately after marriage. They became active members of the small rural Catholic church in their neighborhood and had five children, between 1967 and 1978. The Svoboda family were active in the Tama County Farmers’ Union, appreciating its advocacy for small farms and farm family life. During the farm crisis of the 1980s, they did not become active in farm actions or protests, but decided to continue their small, diversified farm. In 1981, Marlys had begun growing vegetables and flowers to sell along with homemade baked goods at farmers’ markets in nearby cities. The Svobodas chose to involve their children in this work rather than seeking outside employment for themselves or their children. In 2000, they sold goods at four local markets each week during the summer. Profits from this family enterprise supported her children through a college education. She continues to operate the market enterprise with her husband.

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