Camilla Norine Jelinek

Camilla “Norine� Jelinek passed away on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, at The Gardens of Cedar Rapids, surrounded by her family. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Interment to follow, at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, alongside her husband, Charles “Charlie� Jelinek. Norine is survived by three children, Craig (Rita) Jelinek, Jon (Val) Jelinek and Susan (DeAnthony) Jelinek-Thomas; seven grandchildren: Adam (Shelly) Jelinek, Nick (Stephanie) Jelinek, Jill (Frank) Ehrenberger, Lacey Ball, Hannah (Cody) Smith, Ben (Katrina) Jelinek, and Maddie Jelinek; 10 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Linda Weber. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband of 67 years, Charles, son Kevin Jelinek, grandson Sam, and brother Bill Powell. Norine was born on September 16th, 1931, to parents Oakley Powell and Nona Powell (Chapek). She spent most of her childhood in Troy Mills, Iowa. In her teens, she moved to Cedar Rapids with her mother, Nona, and her brother, Bill. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1948. She met the love of her life, Charles, and was married in 1950; in 1952 they started building a family. She was very frugal and raised her family of four kids in the 1950s and 1960s, on Chuck’s policeman’s salary. Norine was best known for her baking. She never knew a person she did not give a pie or cookies to. She was also creative, and her house was always tastefully decorated for the upcoming holiday. Her green thumb could be seen from the street, in front of her house, as well as in the backyard garden, and there were never enough flowers. Norine always put her family first. She and Charlie attended hundreds of football games and track meets through the years. She was always willing to watch the grandkids no matter what age or how many there were. Even after turning 90, she still enjoyed making pancakes with Jill (granddaughter) and Ava (great-granddaughter) on Saturday mornings. She will be missed by her family, neighbors on 22nd Street, her old friends, and her new friends at The Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations toward an outdoor bench at The Gardens, in remembrance of Norine. Donations may be sent to Craig Jelinek.