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Richard "Dick" Zavodny

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richard zavodny

December 06, 1942 - September 09, 2021

   Dick was born in David City, NE to Emil “Hap” Zavodny and Leona (Fast) Zavodny.  He was a Loveland resident for 58 years. He is survived by three of his five children:  Robin Zavodny of Loveland, Denise Hawley of Swanton, NE and Brian Zavodny of Port Angeles, WA.  He is preceded in death by two daughters:  Jenny Zavodny-Ewing and Michele Zavodny Lohnes.  He is also survived by his sister, Betty Macoubrie-Crosby, brothers Tom, Gerry and Larry Zavodny, his grandchildren Samantha, NaTasha, Richard, Shawn, Megan, Christina and Holly, and many great-grandchildren.

   Dick graduated from Seward High School in Seward, NE in 1960 and joined the United States Navy.  After being honorably discharged, he settled in Loveland, began his family and was accepted into the Apprenticeship Program at Hewlett-Packard where he worked in Tool & Die for 36 years. He then moved on to Custom Tooling and Fabrication where he retired after 17 years.

   Dick’s love of music is perhaps how he is most remembered. Learning the accordion at age 14 was the beginning of a lifelong love and career in Polka music.  The Dick Zavodny Polka Band is widely known in Colorado and throughout the United States.  He began entertaining in 1974 and continued for 47 years right up to his passing.  His Sunday afternoon radio program, “The Dick Zavodny Polka Show” on Loveland’s KLOV was a weekend staple to thousands, providing music, polka news, interviews, stories and endless musings and jokes to the polka loving community for 25 years.

   Dick’s passion for motorcycles and riding emerged in his late 60’s.  Once awakened to the fascinating Harley-Davidson culture, he didn’t look back.  The familiar rumble of his motorcycle is a cherished memory, as are the tales of his many cross-country adventures.

   Dick was many things to many people:  A loving and devoted father, a brilliant, talented musician and entertainer, storyteller, jokester, genuine friend to many and most assuredly- larger than life.

   Viewing to be held at Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home in Loveland Thursday September 17th from 3-5pm.  Funeral Services Friday at 10:00 am at Saint John the Evangelist Church, also in Loveland. Following services, a Fellowship and Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 15.  305 S Cleveland Ave, Loveland, CO 80537