Jerry Jilek

Jerome "Jerry" Jilek, age 82, of Columbus, died Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in Lincoln.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 9, 2019 at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Visitation is 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the McKown Funeral Home. There will be a 5:00 p.m. vigil service at the funeral home. Visitation will continue Monday morning 9:30 a.m. until service time at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Interment will be in the All Saints Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Bonaventure Catholic Church 20/20 or to Scotus High School.

Jerome "Jerry" Jilek was born on March 9, 1937 in Tabor, South Dakota to Emil and Elsie (Petrik) Jilek. In 1955 he graduated from high school in Tyndall, South Dakota. He received his Bachelor's in Mathematics from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where he was a member of the ROTC receiving the rank of 2 ^nd Lieutenant. Following graduation he served 6 months at Fort Benning, Georgia where he attended jump school. Jerry then completed his military career in the Army National Guard where he obtained the rank of Captain. Jerry was married to Imogene Voigt on August 27, 1957 in Tyndall, South Dakota.

Jerry and Imogene moved to Columbus in 1961. Jerry started with Dale Electronics where he worked until he retired as Vice President of Sales after 35 years. He also managed several plant locations including Yankton, El Paso and Mexico.

He was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, President of the Parish Council, Men's Choir, YMCA Board, United Way Chairman, President of Crime Stoppers, and served as youth sport coach for many teams. Jerry was a Charter Member of the Elks Club, an avid golfer, and bridge player. He was an Apollo Club member and enjoyed his morning coffee groups and his wacky Wednesday afternoons at Bo's West.

He is survived by:
Wife: Imogene Jilek of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Catherine (Mark) Wittmann of Lincoln, NE
Son: Mark Jilek of York, NE
Son: Matthew (Malini) Jilek of Lincoln, NE
Son: Michael (Debra) Jilek of Temecula, CA
12 Grandchildren and 7 Great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his Parents
Brother: Dr. Dennis Jilek