// Workers AI · dad joke modeWho's Edwin Dvorak? A key figure, he's a piano man, isn't that dvor-ak-ward?
Edwin Dvorak | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 8th district | |
| In office August 4, 1977 – January 4, 1979 | |
| Preceded by | Warren Swigart |
| Succeeded by | Vard Johnson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 14, 1929 |
| Died | December 10, 2004 (aged 74) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Creighton University (B.B.A.) |
| Occupation | Accountant |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1952–1954 |
Edwin V. Dvorak (December 14, 1929 – December 10, 2004) was a Democratic politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 8th district from 1977 to 1979.
Early life
[edit]Dvorak was born on his family's farm near Ravinia, South Dakota, in 1929,[1] He grew up in Lake Andes, South Dakota, and played as a halfback in high school.[2] Dvorak moved to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1947, to attend Creighton University, where he received his bachelor's degree in business administration.[2][1] He served in the Marines from 1952 to 1954, and returned to Omaha, working as a sales representative, accountant, and life insurance agent before establishing an accounting firm.[2][1]
Nebraska Legislature
[edit]In 1977, State Senator Warren Swigart, who represented the North Omaha-based 8th district, resigned after he was elected to the Omaha City Council. Governor J. James Exon appointed Dvorak to serve out the remainder of Swigart's term, and upon Dvorak's swearing in on August 4, 1977,[3] he announced that he would seek a full term in 1978. Dvorak, a sportsman, pushed for the creation of new state parks in the legislature.[4]
Dvorak faced five challengers in the nonpartisan primary: attorney Vard Johnson, University of Nebraska at Omaha administrator Earl Berg, state labor department employee Frances Woznicki, retired teacher Christine Kneifl, and businessman Grant Manchester.[5] Dvorak placed first in the primary election, receiving 30 percent of the vote, and advanced to the general election against Johnson, who placed second with 27 percent.[6] Johnson ultimately defeated Dvorak, winning the general election with 56 percent of the vote.[6]
Death
[edit]Dvorak died on December 10, 2004.[1]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 Loza, Josefina (December 16, 2004). "Wildlife enthusiast Ed Dvorak dies at 74". Omaha World-Herald. p. 4B. Retrieved April 28, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 3 Flanery, Jim (September 5, 1977). "Dvorak's 1st Goal: An Office". Omaha World-Herald. p. 2. Retrieved April 28, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ O'Donnell, Patrick J., ed. (1978). Legislative Journal of the State of Nebraska: Eighty-Fifth Legislature, Second Session (PDF). Vol. 1. p. 40. Retrieved April 28, 2026.
- ↑ Paxson, Richard (January 2, 1978). "Two new faces in Legislature really old hands or nearly so". Lincoln Journal. p. 8. Retrieved April 28, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Joyce, James (May 3, 1978). "Elections could alter personality of Unicam". Lincoln Star. p. 1. Retrieved April 7, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Beermann, Allen J. (1978). Official Report of the Nebraska State Canvassing Board, Primary Election, May 9, 1978, General Election, November 7, 1978 (PDF). Nebraska Secretary of State. Retrieved April 7, 2026.