Norman Chizek

On September 6, 2026, Norman Edward Chizek, 90, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, passing away peacefully at his home in Traer.

Norman was born July 11, 1936, on the family farm (RR2) in Traer, Iowa, the son of Peter Paul and Marie Veronica (Zmolek) Chizek. He attended Crystal #7 Country School and graduated from Traer High School in 1954. Norman proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, spending 18 months in Germany before being honorably discharged in July 1965.

On June 4, 1966, Norman was united in marriage to Deanna Vesely at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Traer. To this union six children were born: Bret, Scot, Chad, and three infants who passed away, David, Doreen, and Dale. Norman and Deanna later divorced.

Norman was a man of strong work ethic. In his youth, he worked on the family farm and local farms, as a carpenter, briefly for Rath Packing. In 1965, he began a long and dedicated career at John Deere, retiring in 1997.

Norman was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and a dedicated member of the Kubik-Finch American Legion Post #142 in Traer.

He found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. Norman loved camping, attending the Iowa State Fair, playing billiards, woodworking and participating in tractor rides. He was an avid sports fan who mastered the art of simultaneously watching multiple college and professional games from the comfort of his recliner, and he especially loved cheering on the Minnesota Twins, attending many games. Above all, he cherished watching his boys play high school sports and college baseball.

In his later years, Norman was blessed with the companionship and care of Vivian Weuve. Even as his body began to fail him, Norman remained strong and determined to stay at home, a wish made possible by Vivian’s care and assistance. Though his physical strength declined, his sharp mind never wavered; he continued to share his vast sports knowledge, recall old stories with precision and crack jokes that brought laughter to those around him. Norman’s days were also brightened by his calm and sweet grand-dog Lulu, who brought him immense joy by trading gentle kisses for her favorite treats.

Norman is survived by his three sons: Bret Chizek, of Mount Horeb WI; Scot Chizek, of Waterloo; and Chad Chizek (Lisa Detje-Even), of Traer. His siblings: brother Duane Chizek, of Dysart; and sisters Marilyn Chizek, of Traer; Joyce Powers, of Marshalltown; Jolene (Jerry) Benson, of Garwin. His companion, Vivian Weuve, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; infant children: twins David Joseph and Doreen Mary (December 25, 1968), and son Dale Matthew (April 5, 1971); sister Darlene Gunderson Schmitz; brothers-in-law Donald Powers, Richard Gunderson, Leo Schmitz and sister-in-law Twylia Chizek.