Lorna Marie (Crock) Marchik

Lorna M. Marchik of Tipton passed peacefully from this realm on December 21, 2021.  She was the second of five siblings, born on December 18, 1929, to Dorothy A. (Brennan) Crock and Raymond L. Crock, Sr.  Lorna was raised on a farm in rural Tipton, and graduated from Tipton High School in 1948.  She briefly attended Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa, where, on an arranged blind date at Starved Rock State Park, she met her husband-to-be, Robert L. Marchik; the couple knew at once that they were meant for each other.  They married on May 10, 1950, and over the years, became the proud parents of seven children.

Lorna’s life was centered on her family, and she loved being a mother.  While Robert was employed off the farm, she was in charge of the “home front”, managing the daily care, household needs and schooling of her big family, raising a large garden, and canning and preserving much of the family’s food.  She managed the family finances and oversaw the farm chores, tending to newborn calves, supervising the twice-daily milking of dairy cows, and for some years operating a small eggs-and-milk business to generate additional income.  She was the go-to person for broken equipment, cuts-and bruises, emotional counsel, and spur of the moment needs that required a mother’s touch.

Lorna also was very committed to her faith and the larger community.  She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Church, was active in the church guild, sang and played (organ, piano) at funerals and weddings, and directed a children’s choir.  Her faith inspired her to many unsung acts of kindness.  If someone in the community was dealing with illness, hard times or loss, she would prepare a care package – a box of delectable canned and baked goods, or much needed clothing or household items – all delivered with a message of love and support.  At Christmas time, she would draft her entire family in a weeks-long production of homemade noodles, cookies and brownies; on Christmas Eve, plates of goodies would be prepared and delivered to those who had no one else to brighten their holidays.  In more recent years, when mobility and health issues limited her activities, she became a quiet mentor and guide to innumerable persons who needed an understanding friend and words of encouragement. In our commercialized, off-the-shelf world, Lorna’s gifts stood apart, as homespun treasures of the heart that built meaning and connection with many.  Her loving presence brought deep meaning to many, and her absence will leave vacant the space she so richly filled.

Lorna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert, her brothers Donald Crock and Raymond Crock Jr., her son Daniel Marchik (Diane), and her son-in-law Leigh Sloan.  She is survived by two siblings, Mary Jean Bents and James (Mary Louise) Crock, and by six children, Dennis (Mary Ellen), Billie M.A. (Sandy), Donald (Rhonda), Catherine Sloan, Maggie, and Diane (Joe).  Her extended family includes 22 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 26 from 2-5 p.m., at the Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, with the Rosary at 4:30 pm.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, December 27 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tipton.  Masks are encouraged but not required. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, memorial contribution in Lorna’s honor may be directed to Catholic Relief Services, the American Red Cross or other agencies assisting communities impacted by the recent tornadoes and derecho.

American Red Cross
P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines IA 50340
Tel: 1-800-733-2767
Web: http://www.redcross.org/

Catholic Relief Services
601 Grand Avenue, Des Moines IA 50309
Tel: 1-515-244-3761