Charles John Svagera was born on July 4th, 1923, in Omaha, Nebraska. His parents were Jan and Anna Svagera. Charlie was married to Patricia (Nary) and they had two children: John and Gayle.
Charlie attended grade school in South Omaha, and when he started, he only spoke the Czech language. He graduated from Omaha South High School in 1941.
At age 11, Charlie got a button accordion and began taking lessons from his father and also self-teaching himself. In 1981, the Professors was formed with Charlie on the button accordion. He played for Czech festivals, family gatherings, accordion orchestras, and bar jam sessions. He always had his accordion with wherever he was.
Charlie was active in doing sign designs and paintings for South Omaha Sokol over many years. This included the Czech art work and design for the crown molding at the South Omaha Sokol Museum. The great thing about this is that when the building was sold, they were able to save the moldings and they are a part of the new buildings museum (currently located at 144th and Industrial Road in Omaha).
Charlie also designed record covers for Joe Slezak’s recording studio for numerous polka bands, including the original Omaha Czech Brass Band’s first recording.
Charlie passed away on October 20th, 1998.