(715) 243-5252 |
Anthony Jilek, age 83 of River Falls, WI, died on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at his home in River Falls from complications of cancer and organ failure.
Tony was born to John and Marie (Stodola) Jilek on July 11, 1942. He married Anne Boortz on August 22, 1964. His kids and grandkids were always a highlight of his life. He taught Animal Science at UW-RF from 1981 to 2007.
Tony spent 6 years in Latin America (Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Brazil) with his family, which fueled a continuing interest in volunteering through the Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas program for 44 years, including the Farmer to Farmer program and several Eye Glass Missions. He was active at St. Bridget Catholic Church, including being a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and being very involved in men’s prayer groups. In the community, Tony was very involved in Rotary and Hope for Earth.
Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Anne; parents, John and Marie (Stodola) Jilek; brothers, John (Betty) Jilek, Joe Jilek, Tom Jilek; sister, Dee Jilek. He is survived by his daughters, Jodi (Allen) Bauer of Roberts, WI and Amy Jilek of Andover, MN; son, Michael (Shelly) Jilek of River Falls, WI; grandchildren Keegan Jilek, Lauren (Spencer) Bluhm, Troy Quesnell, Brooke Nelson, Logan Jilek, Brandon (Allison) Nelson and Brady Nelson; sisters, Mary Nunke, and Sr. Helen Jilek; sisters-in-law, Renee Jilek and Julia Jilek; many nieces nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation was held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 4-8 pm with a prayer service at 7:30 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI. Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church 211 E Division Street River Falls, WI with visitation at church from 10-11 am. A luncheon followed the service. Interment was in St. Bridget Cemetery in River Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners or Hope for Earth. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.
8 Comments
My heartfelt prayers to the Jilek Families and Friends on the loss of Tony Jilek. I remember him as a kind and gentle person who showed concern for others and respect. I remember seeing him and his family in Church many times at St. Bridgets when I lived in River Falls, Wisconsin many years ago. Always a smile to share along with a friendly word. Rest In Heaven and God’s Peace ☮️ Tony, God has you in his care now. With My Heartfelt Prayers and God’s Peace ✌️, Mark VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota.
Tony will be greatly missed! I was blessed to have known him through Rotary, church, and the neighborhood. He was a doer. He was always helping out with projects local and abroad and had the biggest heart. His impactful contributions to this community will not be forgotten. Miss you Tony, but I know that you’re reunited with your lovely wife in Heaven.
Tony and I shared some time together supporting the St. Pat’s mission trips to Guatamala. We casually spoke only last year. Tony’s enthusiasm to help those less fortunate impressed me. My prayers are for the family as they get through these tough days to realign their lives without Tony’s wisdom, care and understanding. RIP Tony.
Tony was such a lovely person with a big heart and generous spirit. Now he’ll be reunited with his beloved Ann.
A great guy weather selling donuts after mass at st b or helping nicaragua he was a role model and friend
I met Tony through Rotary, and was impressed over and over by his spirit of altruism. I drove him to some appointments over the last year and heard about his years spent in South America and the uncommon richness of his life experience and intellectual curiosity. His life was a shining example of service to communities near and far.
I met Tony when I was an exchange student in 1985; he was my teacher in several Animal Genetics classes. In the first class, upon realizing I was Mexican, he approached me with questions in Portugnol (Portuguese + Spanish), which made me laugh and feel at home; from that moment on, he became a friend rather than just a teacher.
Later, Tony asked me, on behalf of UWRF, to support them with some visits and recommendations for the groups of students that Anne and he brought to Mexico during the winter for a cultural trip.
Anne and Tony returned to Mexico several times, both alone and with their family, where we shared experiences and anecdotes together; they also got to know my wife and my children since they were born.
I had the opportunity to greet him personally on his last trip to Mexico a couple of years ago.
I lost a great friend, and I will miss him.
Big hugs Tony, wherever you are.
May God hold you and his grace be forever upon you.
Add Comment