Hanzelka, Norbert James 'Norb'

Norbert James “Norb” Hanzelka, formerly of Hiawatha, died Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, at Silverado Nursing Care Center in Salt Lake City, Utah from cardiac and diabetes complications. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hiawatha, with the Rev. Neil Manternach as presider. The family will be present to greet friends one hour before the service. Inurnment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Chelsea at a later date.

Norb was born Aug. 21, 1942, in Chelsea, Iowa, the youngest son of Frank and Mary (Sichra) Hanzelka.

He is survived by two sons, Todd (Keri) Hanzelka and Paul Hanzelka; grandchildren, Tyler, Braxden and Kaiya Hanzelka, all of Salt Lake City; former wife, Jane of Hiawatha; stepdaughters, Amy (Kevin) Stopko of Homestead and Lori Sass of Chicago; and stepgranddaughter, Olivia Stopko. Surviving siblings are Cyril (Shirley), Valerian (Donna), Stan (Jane) and Mary (Dan) Leary. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Francis Xavier; and sisters, Marcella and Bernadette.

Norb attended St. Joseph Catholic grade school in Chelsea, Chelsea High School and Loras College. He served in the National Guard from 1964-1966. He was employed at Rockwell Collins for 40 years, retiring in 2002.

Norb was a great storyteller and had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed making pickled beets and dilly beans, which he loved to share with friends and family. Norb was a person who loved visiting with people; both acquaintances and strangers. Norb took great pride in meticulously caring for his lawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Hiawatha; Discovery Living; Camp Courageous; or New Melleray Monastery, Peosta.