SPARTA - Otto Svanda, 91, of Sparta, formerly of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 4:05 pm, Thursday, September 24, 2015 at the Randolph County Care Center in Sparta, Illinois. Otto was born in Ava, Illinois on September 9, 1924, the son of Frank and Emma Lnenicek Svanda. He married Eldean Fritsche on February 7, 1948 in Jacob, Illinois. Otto was the retired owner of Svanda Motors in Mt. Vernon. He was a US Navy veteran, having served during WWII on the US South Dakota. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Sparta and the Sparta American Legion Post #396 in Sparta. Otto is survived by his wife, Eldean Svanda of Sparta; one daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Paul Knop of Sparta; three grandchildren, Heather and Tyson Moonier, Ryan Knop and Drew and Amy Knop; two great grandchildren, Shay and Lana Moonier; one brother, Norman Svanda of Sparta; and several nieces and nephews. Otto was preceded in death by his Parents; one son, Randy; and four brothers, Andy, John, Victor and Frank. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Sparta with Rev. Cory Mirth officiating. Burial will follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery, Ava, Illinois. Visitation will be at the church on Monday where friends may call from 5 pm until 8 pm and on Tuesday from 9 am until 10 am. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church or Hospice of Southern Illinois.