Francis John Jilek

Obituary

Francis “John” Jilek was born on August 31, 1927, in Rich Valley Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. He was the son of Frank and Frances (Bednar) Jilek. John was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Silver Lake, Minnesota, and later was confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. George Catholic Church in Glencoe, Minnesota. He received his education in Glencoe, Minnesota, graduating with the Glencoe High School Class of 1945. John entered active military service in the United States Navy in 1945, and received an Honorable Discharge in 1949.

On May 10, 1952, John was united in marriage to Rosina Fiecke at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted, Minnesota. John and Rosina made their home in Glencoe, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Rhonda, Vicki, Michelle and Brian. John and Rosina shared over 66 years of marriage.

John worked at Green Giant in Glencoe, as a field representative for 38 years retiring in 1991. He was a faithful member at Church of St. Pius X in Glencoe, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and held the secretary position. John served on the St. Pius X Catholic School Board and was also a charter member of the church council for the Diocese. He was on the Glencoe Hospital board for 10 years, the Glencoe Fire Department and a member of the Glencoe VFW Post #5102.

John was a hard worker and was a loving, generous and sociable man. He enjoyed playing cards with the card club that he belonged to for over 50 years. He also enjoyed dancing and fishing. John loved driving around the countryside and checking out the fields. He enjoyed traveling, especially through Europe. He was also very interested in genealogy and an avid reader. John cherished the time spent with his family and friends.

John passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 23, 2018, surrounded by his family at his home in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 90 years, 9 months and 23 days.

Blessed be his memory.

John is survived by his:
Wife, Rosina Jilek of Glencoe, MN;
Daughters, Rhonda Eurich and her husband, Greg, of Mound, MN,
Vicki Robb and her husband, H. Thomas, of Shorewood, MN,
Michelle Aikins and her husband, Matt, of St. Paul Park, MN;
Son, Brian Jilek and his wife, Patricia, of Glencoe, MN;
Grandchildren, Laura Westphall and her husband, Cody, Angie Stevens and her husband, Robert, Brenda Prich and her husband,
Ryan, Shawna Olson and her husband, Jeremy, Trevor Robb, Courtney Eurich and her partner, Rolando Ochoa, Haley
Aikins, Daniel Aikins, Frank Jilek, Evelyn Jilek;
Great Grandchildren, Jayden Westphall, Sven Olson, Molly Stevens, Savanna Ochoa, Harper Olson, Madison Prich, Bryce
Westphall, Charlie Stevens, Reece Westphall;
Sister-In-Law, Alice Jilek of Glencoe;
Half Brother, Gerald Zajicek and his wife, Karen, of Hutchinson, MN;
Half Sister, Mary Jo McKenzie of Shakopee, MN;
Half Sister-In-Law, Laurina Zajicek of Glencoe, MN;
Nephews, Nieces, Other relatives and many friends.

John was preceded in death by his Parents, Frank Jilek and Frances Jilek Zajicek; Step Father, Henry Zajicek; Granddaughter, Jaclyn Robb; Great Granddaughter, Ivy Stevens; Brother, Raymond Jilek; Half Brothers, Joseph Zajicek, Henry Zajicek; Brother-In-Law, Allen McKenzie.