Jeanette M. Norquist

Jeanette Marie (Livek) Norquist, 95, of Kewanee, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

She was born on June 13, 1930 in Kewanee, the daughter of Albert and Clara (Albrecht) Livek. She married Robert Leonard Norquist on May 27, 1949 in Denver, CO and he preceded her in death on June 1, 2021. Survivors include her son, Jack A. Norquist of Cocoa, FL, her daughter, Jill M. Sutterly of Benton, AZ and grandchildren; Kristin Norquist, Stephanie Norquist, and Samantha Sutterly and several great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Robert Sutterly.

Jeanette graduated from Kewanee High School in 1947 and Colorado Woman’s College in Denver, CO. She also attended Sherwood School of Music in Chicago. She started sharing her musical talents of singing, dancing and playing accordion, piano and organ from the age of 3 until 1947. During these years she was a member of the Kewanee Midget Trio (later years The Melody Trio) and appeared throughout the Tri-state area, appearing at regional and state meetings, conventions, County and State Fairs as well as on WHBF, WMBD and WLS radio stations.

She had worked for Albert Livek Businesses, as the music director for KFEL radio station in Denver, CO, a professional musician, city councilwoman and piano teacher in Iowa, and owner and operator of Mar-Jay Collectibles in Hastings, MI until her retirement. Jeanette was a lifetime member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the American Federation of Musicians and a member of the Women of the Moose and the Elks Ladies Auxiliary.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 8 in Pleasant View Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Mayo Clinic Foundation or to the Kewanee Public Library. Rux Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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