Jean E. Dvorak

Jean Elizabeth (Hird) Dvorak, 93, Manitowoc passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2017, after a brief illness. Jean was born September 12, 1923 in Benton, WI to William Dixon Hird and Maude (Williams) Hird. After high school, Jean attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Two months after arriving on campus, she met Norval Dvorak, a relentless Bohemian who convinced her early on, that he was the one for her. Jean graduated from UW Madison in 1945 with a degree in Home Economics. Two weeks later, on June 10th, Norval won Jean's heart for good and they were married at Benton Methodist Church. On the third day of their honeymoon, her new husband was anxious to introduce her to the future he would share with her, and suggested they return home so they could start farming. Norval spoke of his pride in Jean for "melding into life as a farm wife so quickly, considering she didn't even know what a kolache was!" Jean spent the first year of their marriage teaching in Milwaukee before she and Norval decided to start a family. Jean took great pride in her role as mother of four sons: David, Stephen, Richard, and Robert. Jean began teaching within the Manitowoc School District in 1968. When she retired from teaching in 1988, Jean enjoyed playing bridge regularly with her friends, spending time with family, and traveling. Jean and Norval traveled often, for business as well as for pleasure. Jean especially liked traveling with friends, and always studied their destinations so she could act as tourist and tour guide. Jean was a member of Lakeshore United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of Chapter CD PEO of Manitowoc and a former member of the Francis Creek Lions Club as well as Homemakers and numerous other organizations.Despite a short honeymoon, she and Norval celebrated 70 years of marriage before Norval's passing in 2015. She was steadfast in her faith, counting her blessings often. Jean is survived by three sons and four daughters-in-law: David (Donna) Dvorak; Stephen (Melanie) Dvorak; Robert (Sandy) Dvorak; Lynn Dvorak; ten grandchildren: Douglas Dvorak; Mellissa (Doug) VanOrnum; Vicki Dvorak (Dean Morgan); Eric (Kelly) Dvorak; Zachary (Susan) Dvorak; Katrina Dvorak; Joseph Dvorak; Angie Dvorak; Emily (Adam) Birmingham; Adam (Courtney) Dvorak; eleven great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law: Darlene (Donald) Wellner; Joe (Lynn) Dworak; Darlene Dworak, and many nieces and nephews. She has been reunited with her husband Norval Dvorak, and was preceded in death by her son: Richard Dvorak; her parents: William and Maude Hird; brother Edward Hird; two brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law: Fritz Dworak; Florian Dworak; Loretta Dworak. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday February 25, 2017 at Lakeshore United Methodist Church, 411 Reed Avenue, Manitowoc. The Rev. Carly Kuntz will officiate. Relatives and friends may call on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. with a lunch to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Jean's name for the Manitowoc Public Library Children's Programming. The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.jensreinboldandpfeffer.com The family would like to thank the staff at Felician Village, Homecare Health Services, especially Rachel and Janet, and the staff at Aurora Medical Center for their care and dedication to both Jean and Norval.

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