Norma Silhanek

NORMA L. SILHANEK

Keystone

Norma L. Silhanek, 83, of Keystone, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017, at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids after a brief illness. She was surrounded by loving family throughout her illness and at the time of her passing.

Norma was born Aug. 28, 1933, in Homestead, Iowa. She graduated from Keystone High School with the Class of 1951. Following high school, she moved to Cedar Rapids and worked at Quaker Oats. She married Richard L. Silhanek on Nov. 5, 1955, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Keystone. Rich and Norma continued to live and work in Cedar Rapids until a farming opportunity took them back to Benton County. They lived and farmed at various locations. They eventually settled on the Folkmann family farm where she grew up.

She enjoyed living on the farm, attending church and spending time with family. She was an avid reader, country music lover, Iowa sports fan, and was known by her family and friends for her excellent cooking and baking. She was a member of the Dorcas Guild at St. John's Lutheran Church.

Norma loved her family deeply and was loved in return. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Richard Silhanek of Keystone; her three children, Linda (Steve) Chase of Indianapolis, Denny Silhanek of Cedar Rapids and Carol (Sven) Larson of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Ryan Chase of Chicago, Michelle Chase of Columbus, Ohio, Andrew (Elizabeth) Larson of Cedar Rapids and Sara Larson of St. Louis, Mo.; two great- grandchildren, Augie and Alfie Larson of Cedar Rapids; her sister, Ethel (Keith) Baker of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Helen Folkmann of Keystone; and her family of nieces and nephews, with whom she was very close.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Anna (Witte) Folkmann; her brother, Herb Folkmann; her sisters, Dorothy Boog and Lorena Jacobs; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Jean Silhanek; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Mayme Silhanek.

A celebration of Norma's life will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 201 Fourth Ave., Keystone, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 9, officiated by the Rev. Wright. The family will greet friends one hour before the service at the church. Luncheon will be held directly at the church following the service. A private family burial will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.

Memorial donations in Norma's honor may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Keystone.

Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.