Anthony F. Jilek

1942 - 2025

Anthony F. Jilek

July 11, 1942 - August 12, 2025

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 Jilek 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 will be on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church 211 E Division Street River Falls, WI with visitation at church from 10-11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be 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.