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Michael F. Jilek Sr.

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University of Dayton University of Toledo

Michael Jilek Obituary

JILEK Michael F. Sr. Michael F. Jilek Sr. passed away on Sunday, September 7th, 2008, at his home. Mike was born in Cleveland, Ohio September 6th, 1941. Mike graduated from Cathedral Latin School (Cleveland Ohio) in 1959. His faith led him to the University of Dayton where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1964. Mike concluded his formal education by obtaining a graduate degree in Law from the University of Toledo in 1969. Upon beginning his life in Toledo, Mike worked for the Traveler's Insurance Company as an adjuster. He spent the first 7 years of his legal career with Cubbon and Rice where he developed his skills as a trial lawyer. In 1978, Mike became a founding member of a new law firm which was named Goldberg, Williams, Jilek and Lafferty (later Williams, Jilek, Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott) and practiced law, successfully, with his friends for nearly another 30 years. Mike enjoyed the practice of law and always represented his clients with honesty, compassion, integrity, courage and with hard work. Mike continued trying cases, successfully, until the day he retired. Throughout his career, Mike was active in many professional organizations. As a result of his commitment to the practice of law (and due to the fact that everyone he met enjoyed his company), Mike was elected to be the president of the Toledo Bar Association in 1991, his crowning professional achievement, and was just recently awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Toledo College of Law. After his retirement, Mike dedicated his free time to helping others. On most mornings during his retirement, Mike could be found serving communion to individuals at The Toledo Hospital or his beloved church, Christ the King. He spent the rest of his time providing services and assistance to those in need at the Little Sisters of the Poor and through the Toledo Bar Association. Mike was a gifted conversationalist, was generous in all respects and was above all a kind man. He will be greatly missed. "In a world dominated by takers, Mike was a giver, he gave back to his family, friends, profession and church. He was the kindest most gentle man I have ever met" Jon A. Lafferty. He was survived by his loving wife, Jackie; children, Ashleigh, Scott, Michael, Christine, Patrick; grandchildren, Benjamin, Abigail, Erica, Alexandra, Kristen; mother, Angela Jilek; brother, William Jilek. Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. Thursday at the J. Jeffrey Fretti Funeral Home, 5045 West Sylvania Ave. (at Corey Rd.) 419-843-1117, where prayers will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Friday followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Cemetery in Perrysburg, Ohio. Contributions may be made to a charity of the donors choice.

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Published by The Blade from Sep. 9 to Sep. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Jilek

20 Entries

Mary Gensler

September 15, 2008

Jackie, Ashleigh and family, My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you. What a great loss you must feel. I will miss Mike's smile on Sunday mornings. May God bless you with the strength you will need to get through this time.

Kay Octaviano

September 15, 2008

To the Jilek Family,

I am saddened to hear the loss of a wonderful man. I am truly sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Jilek for 10 years. He was a very caring and understanding person. He always went out of his way, whether it be professionaly or personally. He is a great loss to the community. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

robin feltrup

September 12, 2008

Mike and Molly Griffin and the Jilek family, I am so sorry for your loss, MIke was a wonderful man, your families are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Robin and Mark Feltrup Whitman Ma.

Mike and Sue McCollam

September 11, 2008

Mike Jilek - he was one heck of a guy. Our family was recalling the other day when we used to go out on his pontoon boat at his summer home in Indiana with our kids. He and my husband, Mike McCollam, were the "M&M Boys" - they were always teasing the little ones. Ya had to watch out for those "M&M Boys" - you never knew when they would sneak up on you and tickle you to death! Such a great day we had. Mike always kept in contact with the McCollam/Collins/Gorman families and always attended gatherings, weddings, funerals. He would always came up to you and give you a big hug or a heardy handshake. Had many conversations and heard many, many stories from him. Professionally, you couldn't ask for a more capable attorney. We will truly miss this gentleman. Our deepest respects and prayers go out to his family and friends.

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Karrie Miller

September 10, 2008

Chris & Family - My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know your father was very dear to you... I am so sorry.

Tracy Saba

September 10, 2008

Our Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Brue & Tracy Saba Charcoal House)

Jerry Miller

September 10, 2008

Prayers and condolences to the Jilek Family upon the loss of your loved one. While attending law school as a fellow adjuster coworker at Travelers and later as a fellow practitioner, Mike is one whom I'll always remember for his candor, honesty, professionalism and unending sense of humor God Bless you Mike.

William Murtagh, M.D.

September 10, 2008

Very sorry to learn of Mike's passing. He was a kind and fun man. My condolences to his family and his partners.

David Mohr

September 10, 2008

I worked with Mike for 40 years, as an opponent and co-worker. He was a gentleman of the highest order. He always viewed people in their best light. I never knew him to say a bad word about anyone. He will be sorely missed.

I will never forget how he enjoyed receiving my gift of Franz Kofka's "The Trial" that I had used in a closing argument in a case we had.

Jackie, your loss is shared by everyone who knew Mike. I believe that part of the life hereafter is the thoughts the living have of one who has died. If that is so, Mike is receiving nothing but the best.

D.E. Buenger

September 10, 2008

Ashleigh and Family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We are holding you in our prayers and pray for God's comfort during this difficult time. Love, The St. Ursula Orchestra

Sally & Joe Hake

September 9, 2008

Dear Jackie & family,
Whatever can we say, we loved Mike for 26 years. We can't imagine the lake without him! He and Joe were great buddies and we enjoyed all those fun nights on the boat singing "Blue Moon." Words cannot express how much we will miss Mike. We love him.

Mike Hyrne

September 9, 2008

Mike was a great attorney, but more important a great friend. Never too busy to share a laugh or lend a hand. He will be missed by so many. He made the profession greater, setting a standard difficult to meet.

Gary Thornton

September 9, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Gary Thornton Christ The King Parish Finance Council Member

September 9, 2008

Dear Jackie, I will keep you in my prayers. Your husband was a most remarkable man. Ethel Hodnicki (mall walker)

Jan Weatherly

September 9, 2008

I had the privilege of working with Mike Jilek for over 20 years. He was a friend as well as a boss. I consider everyone at this firm to be part of my extended family and Mr. Jilek was no different. He would ask every day how my son, in the Navy, was doing. His faith was an example to all. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Fair winds and following seas Mr. Jilek.

Maria Clark

September 9, 2008

Jackie, Scott and Ashleigh -

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Mike's passing. Growing up next door to you, Jackie, was such a treat. You are considered another one of my big sisters. I remember when you first met Mike and the joy that he brought to your life. All the times everyone sat around your mom and dad's pool with all the laughter and carrying on was priceless. Mike was an influential part of my life to enter the legal field and I will miss him dearly. I give you all my love and if you need anything let me know. I can see Mr. and Mrs. C grinning from ear to ear welcoming him home.

Megan Jilek

September 9, 2008

I was a lucky daughter-in-law of Mr. Jilek. He was always so loving and excited to have you around. He told the greatest stories and always enjoyed hearing yours. I regret that our little Ben will not know him as well as we did, but Ben will learn about him through all the stories we share. He will be missed by us as a father, father-in-law and grandpa. We love you!

Tom Doehrman

September 9, 2008

I am an attorney practicing in Indpls. IN. Mike was married many moons ago to my first cousin Janie Kerr. I remember Mike as a very friendly guy who brought my father a lot of laughs in card games and coversations during family visits to Toledo in the 70s. I contacted Mike on a few occasions over the years with questions about Ohio law and he was very gracious and always took the time to give me good advice. May he rest in peace.

September 9, 2008

Linda Merkle Ramlow

September 8, 2008

I have had the distinct privilege and honor of working for Mike Jilek for the past 25 years. I cannot remember one occasion in coming to the office where Mike didn't have a smile on his face and positive words to share with an upbeat attitude. I didn't consider Mike just a "boss" but a true "friend". Mike was one of the warmest, most kind-hearted, generous and God-fearing persons I have ever met. I will remember the smiles and laughter and ALL the stories Mike had to tell because that is the way Mike would have wanted it. The world lost a truly wonderful individual in Mike Jilek but the Lord has gained a very special soul. To know Mike Jilek was to love Mike Jilek.

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