Sylvia Jean Neitzel, 82, of Lincoln, NE passed away on Monday, March 10^th, 2025. She was born on December 29^th 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 Wyuka Funeral Home, Saturday, June 21^st, 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. 27^th St., Lincoln, NE 68521.