Erma J. Cikanek

Erma Jean Cikanek, age 77, died Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit, Kansas. She was born June 16, 1933 to Claude and Freda Janne Wire at Dorrance, Kansas. Raised on a farm in Russell County, she attended Colony Country Grade School through the fifth grade. With the closing of the country school all students were transferred to Dorrance where she graduated from high school in 1951.

Upon graduation she worked a few months for the Hays Daily News and later resided in San Diego, California where she was employed as a PBX operator and assistant bookkeeper for a dental clinic.

Erma was united in marriage October 4, 1953 to Harry Cikanek in the Grace Lutheran Church in San Diego. They returned to Ellsworth, Kansas where they established their home and later their two sons Terry and Joey were born.

In January, 1962 Harry started employment with the Gas Service Company, Beloit Division. The family completed the move to Beloit in February.

She worked part time as a bookkeeper in the 1960's and early 1970's so she and Harry could attend the summer recreational and school year activities the boys were involved in. This was a very important part of their family life.

In July, 1972 she was employed as a part-time secretary for the Beloit Chamber of Commerce and started full time in December, 1972. With the absence of a Chamber Director in April, 1988, she was asked by the Board of Directors if she would take over as Director and always felt very privileged as she had not applied for the position. At the Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet in January, 1998 she was honored for her 25 years of employment with the Chamber and expressed her thanks to the Board of Directors and to the businesses and community for the privilege of working with and for them. With the death of Harry in May, 1984 and the void it left in her life, she willingly contributed many extra hours of volunteer time for the Chamber and community. During her tenure with the Chamber she attended many workshops, seminars, and meetings.

A source of pride and joy to her were her seven grandchildren and the special mementos they had made.

Her flowers were a special interest to her. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and playing cards. She made quilts and afghans for her grandchildren.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion and VFW Auxiliary. Until her retirement she was also a member of the Beloit Juvenile Correctional Facility Call Committee, NCK Rural Development Council, NCK Tourism Council, Beloit Tourism Committee that she established for the Chamber, City of Beloit Recreation Committee, A co-committee chair-person for the Beloit Area Homecoming Weekend, ex-officio member of the Beloit Industrial Development Committee and attended the Beloit City Council meetings and many functions throughout the community as a representative for the Chamber.

Preceding her in death were her parents, beloved husband Harry, and sister Nadine Alexander.

Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her sons Terry Cikanek and wife Gail of Stockton, KS and their children Tara (Erik Keller), Tracy (Victoria) Cikanek, Trina (Jake Riffel); Joey Cikanek and wife Brenda of Hutchinson and their children Scott, Brett, Renae (Chad Carsten), Shawna Cikanek; one sister Fern Steinle of Dorrance; brothers Robert Wire and wife Dorothy of Smith Center, Ted Wire and wife Barbara of Geneseo, Illinois; three great grandchildren Cameron & Carson Keller and Kade Riffel; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM Friday, April 1, 2011 at the McDonald Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be at 1 PM in the Wilson Cemetery, Wilson, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the Mitchell County Regional Medical Foundation. Visitation will be from 9 AM until 8 PM Thursday at the McDonald Funeral Home. Erma's request for a closed casket will be honored.