Jean Ruth Zbanek, 84 of Ely, died Monday, July 28, 2008 at Mercy Hallmar from a brief illness.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008 at St. John Lutheran Church in Ely with Rev. Jeff Borgwardt presiding.  Burial will follow in Rogers Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. John Lutheran Church in Ely and for an hour prior to services Thursday at the church.  Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements.

Jean was born October 27, 1923 in Johnson County, the daughter of Milo and Mina Minor Randall.  She married Joseph Henry Zbanek on October 29, 1941 at the First Presbyterian Church, near Ely.  She was a rural route mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for over 20 years.  She was involved with the St. John Dorcas Society, Ely American Legion Auxillary, VFW Auxillary, and the Ely Fire Department.  Jean enjoyed gambling, bird watching, gardening, flowers and meeting her friends each evening for cocktails.  Jean loved to spend time with her family and friends.

Jean is survived by her children Linda (Fonce) Landuyt, Bonnie (Paul) Slezak and Randy (Kelly) Zbanek all of Ely; 5 grandchildren Jeff (Darcey) Landuyt, Bret (Kellie) Voss, Jodi (Kevin) James, Kami and Kassi Zbanek, six great-grandchildren Kimberly, Alyssa, Keegan, Bailey, Shaffer, and Shelby; and a sister Edna Davis of Hiawatha.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband Joseph, a great-granddaughter Allanah, and a brother in law Mick Davis.

Memorials may be directed to the family.