Memorial
Jean K. Formanek, 97, most recently of Keystone, IA passed away on Monday December 22, 2014 at her residence at the Keystone Nursing Care Center after an extended illness.
A service in memory of and to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at Cedar Memorial Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Keystone Nursing Care Center, Keystone, IA, United Methodist Church, New Hartford, IA, Unity Point Hospice, Cedar Rapids, IA, or Western Homes Retirement Communities, Cedar Falls, IA.
Jean was born October 26, 1917 in Giard, IA to Otto and Hulda (nee Klutzbach) Erbe. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1936 in Cedar Rapids and then attended Coe College, also in Cedar Rapids, graduating in 1940 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business management.
While at Coe, she met Robert V. Formanek, Sr. On July 4th, 1941, they were married in Kahoka, Mo. During that time, Jean was employed by Mutual Fire and Tornado Insurance Company in Cedar Rapids.
Jean traveled with husband Robert to Florida, Georgia and Texas over the following four years, during which time he served in the Army Air Corps. Their son, Robert Jr. was born on January 2nd, 1943 in Miami Beach, FL and daughter Katha on September 22nd, 1954 in Hampton, IA.
Jean devoted herself to her husband and children throughout her life and was a treasured community member in New Hartford, Ackley, Mt. Pleasant, IA and in Mendon, IL during Bob’s years as teacher, coach and school administrator.
Jean and Bob returned to New Hartford at the end of his career, residing there for more than 30 years. In 2005 they moved to Windcove Senior Living at Western Homes Community in Cedar Falls, IA.
Jean was a member of the Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, PTA and was a Girl Scout Leader.
She led an active life and loved contributing her time and skills to community services. In addition to being an exceptional seamstress, she enjoyed golf, bridge, piano and tending her flower garden. She loved her grandchildren immensely. She will be fondly remembered as a warm and nurturing mother and for her unfailing generosity, amicable outlook on life, genuine interest and compassion for others as well as for her ability to appreciate the humor in a situation. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Warren H. Erbe and her sister Winifred Mooney and her husband Robert V. Formanek Sr. Survivors include her son Dr. Robert V. Formanek Jr. and his wife Janet of Orinda, California, her daughter Katha Ricciardi and her husband Vezio of St. John, Virgin Islands; and her two grandchildren Kara E. Formanek of Alameda, California and John R. Formanek of San Francisco, California.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt and sincere gratitude to the care givers and staff of Keystone Nursing Care Center and Unity Point Hospice for their compassionate and professional care.
Condolences may alternately be sent to: Dr. Robert V. and Janet Formanek at 262 Sundown Terrace Orinda, California 94563 or to : Katha and Vezio Ricciardi at P.O. Box 1150 St. John, VI. O0831.