Jean Formanek

JEAN FORMANEK

Keystone

Jean K. Formanek, 97, most recently of Keystone, passed away Monday, Dec. 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 Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Keystone Nursing Care Center, Keystone, Iowa; United Methodist Church, New Hartford, Iowa; Unity Point Hospice, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; or Western Homes Retirement Communities, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Jean was born Oct. 26, 1917, in Giard, Iowa, 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 4, 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 Jan. 2, 1943, in Miami Beach, Fla., and daughter Katha on Sept. 22, 1954, in Hampton, Iowa.

Jean devoted herself to her husband and children throughout her life and was a treasured community member in New Hartford, Ackley, Mount Pleasant and in Mendon, Ill., 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. 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; 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, Calif.; her daughter, Katha Ricciardi and her husband, Vezio, of St. John, Virgin Islands; and her two grandchildren, Kara E. Formanek of Alameda, Calif., and John R. Formanek of San Francisco, Calif.

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.

Please feel free to leave a message or tribute to the family on the website www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Condolences may alternately be sent to: Dr. Robert V. and Janet Formanek, 262 Sundown Terrace, Orinda, CA 94563; or Katha and Vezio Ricciardi, P.O. Box 1150, St. John, VI 00831.