Norma Jean Horak, 84, daughter of Franklin and Mildred (Stach) Pelican, was born in Wilber on Jan. 26, 1941. She passed away at the Wilber Care Center on Nov. 28, 2025.
Norma grew up on a farm west of Wilber. She attended Wilber High School graduating with the class of 1958. On April 9, 1961, she was united in marriage to Ronald James Horak at the Methodist Church in Crete. To this union, two sons were born, David Scott and Douglas Alan. She worked at the Crete City Bank until moving west of Wilber to the Horak home place with Ron in March 1969. She worked at the Wilber Care Center for 27 years as the Housekeeping and Laundry Supervisor. In 1993, they moved to Wilber, where she lived until her passing. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron in May 2002.
Norma enjoyed passing time with friends over coffee and fun meals. She also liked to pass her time by embroidering and making baby quilts for many local residents and family. Norma will be remembered fondly for her love of babysitting local kids anytime there was a need.
She is survived by her sons, Doug and wife, Beth Horak of Western, David Horak and husband Jerry Myers of Chicago, Illinois, and grandchildren, Bryce and wife Megan of Western, Bailey and wife Alisha of Virgil, South Dakota, and Hannah Horak of Shelton; grandchildren, Mason, Jaxon and Chloe of Western; sister, Betty Zoubek, Western; brother, Frank “Butch” Pelican, Johnson; sister-in-law, Marleen and husband Mike Peters, Eagle. Also surviving are “Grandma Jean’s” special little friends, Katherine, Easton, Ellie, Jack, Ethan and Tillie, along with several nieces, nephews and friends.
The graveside service will be Monday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. at the Wilber Czech Cemetery. A lunch will follow at the Wilber Legion Park Building. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Saline Aging Services in Wilber.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.
