Norman Plouzek passed away Tuesday, October 26 ^th , 2021 after being surrounded by his loving family at Tabitha Long-Term Care facility.  He was 85 and had been affected by dementia for many years.

Norman was born to Ed and Irma Plouzek on November 18 ^th , 1935 in Wilber at the family home.  Back in the day his crib was the drawer of a dresser.   Living on the farm he did various farm chores.

He attended country school and Wilber High School.  Norman graduated in the spring of 1954.  While in high school he participated in various activities such as band where he played the French horn and track.  They had wanted him to play football.  Norman gave it a try and as he told the story he caught the football once and all of these guys were chasing him and tackled him.  That was enough for him.  He had a short football career and instead became a cheerleader!

Right after graduating from high school Norman joined the Air Force and became a jet plane mechanic.  He served in the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and Texas.  Upon release from the service Norman attended Milford Trade School.  He studied building and construction.  He continued to study getting his plumbing and electrical licenses.

Norman married the love of his life Helen J. Rasplicka on June 1, 1960 in Crete, NE at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  They made a life together living in Crete.  From this union came five children Mike, David, Cindy, Marcia and Debbie.  Norman and Helen would go on to be married for 61 years.  They endured hardships and disappointments and also experienced much joy and laughter in the years they had together.

They started Plouzek Construction in 1961.  He was a meticulous carpenter and built many homes in the area.  He did house remodels and other various construction projects as well.  His son Mike was his right hand guy working alongside him until Norman retired.

Norman was very social and loved meeting new people.  He was always ready to help anyone who needed it.  He was fun-loving, charismatic and a man of character.  He was a story teller and often had a gleam in his eyes.  He loved to whistle.   Something he continued to do after the effects of dementia took the formation of words from him.  When asked a question, if he couldn't find the words his response was to whistle instead.   Norman was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who will be missed deeply.

Norman is survived by his wife Helen; children Mike Plouzek of Crete, Dave Plouzek of Crete, Cindy Cox (Roger) of  Northboro, IA, Debbie Erickson of Rapid City, SD, sister Judy Koll (David) of Wilber, grandchildren; Curtis and Sara Johnson, Mackenzie and Tessa Erickson, Connor St. Denny and Emma Denker and great grandchildren; Kendie, Briley and Caine Michael.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Irma Plouzek, daughter Marcia and brother Loren.

Visitation will be held October 29 ^th from 5 pm to 7 pm at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.  Funeral services will be October 30 ^th at 10:30 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, luncheon to follow.  Burial services will be held at Lincoln Memorial following the completion of lunch.  All those who knew and loved Norman are invited to share in the celebration of his life with his family.  Memorials may be given directly to the family to a charitable donation to be made in Norman's name at a later date.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.