Elizabeth "Liz" Formanek

Elizabeth “Liz” Formanek passed away on May 25, 2022, in Henning, Minnesota, at Our Home Your Home surrounded by her family.

Liz was born on January 14, 1930, at home, in Crosby, MN, the daughter of Marko and Ana (Adams) Butorac. The family lived in Crosby, where they had animals and a large garden to feed the substantial family.  Liz, the second youngest of nine, would help bring the cows in from the pasture for milking every day and, on occasion, milked the cows if her mother could not. She was fiercely proud of her Croatian/Slovenian heritage. She spoke of how the family would sing and dance for entertainment. She spent many nights out dancing with her friends, and dancing was to remain a life-long passion of hers. Liz graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1948, where she learned shorthand and other secretarial skills. She began to work at Hallet Hardware Store in Crosby and stayed there until she started working in the offices at Inland Steel in Crosby-Ironton.

While still in high school, Liz met her future husband, Frank Formanek.  They were united in marriage on March 31, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby.  Frank was offered a teaching position in Raymond, Minnesota where they lived for six years. After encouragement from Liz, Frank received his administration degree, and they moved to Henning in the fall of 1958. After eight years of marriage, Liz and Frank were blessed with a son, Stephen. Robert and Daniel followed shortly, all in a span of 27 months. Liz was a stay-at-home Mom to her boys. Six years later sister Lisa completed their family. Liz remained at home until Lisa was in 4th grade. She began to work part-time at Ken’s Market and soon after was hired by the First National Bank of Henning, where she proudly worked until her retirement in 1995.

Liz’s faith was an essential part of her life, as was her beloved family.  Her children, grandchildren, and extended family meant the world to her. Liz also loved to talk, especially with a cup of coffee in hand.  Liz was a life-long learner, constantly researching things if she did not know an answer. She loved to follow the financial markets and invest. After retirement, Frank and Liz enjoyed trips all over the US to visit friends and family, also traveling with friends on their ‘mystery’ trips. Liz was active in her community by participating in the Trinity restoration project, 545 Scholarship fund, community fund drives, and was a part of various committees at St. Edwards Catholic Church until her health prevented her from doing these activities.

Liz is survived by her sons, Stephen, Robert (Tessa), Daniel (Vesla) Formanek, and a daughter, Lisa (Mike) McMullen. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Sara (Brady), Kaila, Matthew, Katie, great-grandsons Crosby, Jack, Emmett, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank (2012), and all her siblings: Joseph, Fran, Mary, Frank, Martha, Matt, Margaret, Elsie, and a stillborn brother.  She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Patrick McMullen, and grandnephew Jason Ryan.

Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Henning with Fr. Leroy Schik officiating. Music will be provided by Paul Malecha, organist and cantor, and Daniel Formanek, vocalist. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service at church. Liz will be laid to rest at Lakewood Cemetery, Crosby, Minnesota.

The family would like to thank Jody and Beno Lohse for their tender care during the last year of Liz’s earthly life and Amy Severson, FNP, for her excellent care of Liz over the years. She was blessed to be part of a community that helped her with many needs over the years. We are grateful to all Liz’s friends who were such an essential part of her life.

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