Wilma Nowek

Wilma Sophie Nowek, 101, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Center in Larimore, ND. Wilma was born on November 5, 1922, in Johnstown, ND to Newton and Maysie (Perkins) Baker-Gabb. She attended schools in Reynolds and Johnstown, ND where she graduated high school in 1941.

Wilma married Ray McLean on November 5, 1943, and had two children, James, and Judy. On October 9, 1954, she married Bennie Nowek and shared 69 years together. They had two children, Jane, and Todd. Ben and Wilma settled in McCanna, ND and together raised their four children in the home they built.

Wilma was patriotic serving in the Larimore American Legion Auxiliary, as President, 1st Vice President, Chaplain, Americanism Chairperson and Leadership Chairperson. She was a lifetime member. She was assistant postmaster at the McCanna Post Office and later worked at the Grand Forks Air Force Base post office.

Wilma loved listening to old-time country music and playing the organ. She loved it when others would join in with their instruments. Wilma enjoyed many things: doing crafts, tending to her flowers, learning about her family history, seeing her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, baking, sewing, playing cards, going to Spirit Lake, but she especially loved visiting with friends, who would have the good fortune of getting to enjoy her homemade doughnuts, cookies, or other goodies.

Wilma is survived by her son, James (Helen) McLean; daughter, Jane (Dennis) Straus and son, Todd (Joan) Nowek. Grandchildren Rodney McLean, Ryan (Jenny) McLean, Josh Straus, and Justin (Morgan) Straus; and great-grandchildren Russell McLean, Renae McLean, Madison Straus, and Connor Straus; and nieces and nephews.

Wilma was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Bennie, her sister Marian Walden, her daughter Judy McLean Link and Ray McLean.

Wilma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

VISITATION will be for one hour prior to the FUNERAL SERVICES on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10:00 am at Bakke Funeral Home, Larimore.

INTERMENT will be in Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore in the Spring.