Patricia "Pat" Mae Jilek

Patricia "Pat" Mae Jilek of La Belle Isle on Rush Lake passed away Wednesday, (August 26, 2015) at the Golden Living Center in Rush City at the age of 84. Pat was born on May 12, 1931 in Antigo, Wisconsin to Anton and Mary Mazanec. She attended school in Antigo with the exception of living with her Godmother Grace during her 7th grade school year. As a child Pat was close with her siblings, especially her brother, Joe. They would do chores together, play together, and even eat soap together so they would get used to the taste as their mother would make them eat soap if they were caught saying bad words. She was never fond of airplanes or flying, but when some family members set her up on a date with a dashing young pilot named Jim, she went on that date, had a “flying good time” and a forever relationship was formed. Pat and Jim were married on May 5, 1951 in Antigo, Wisconsin. During their almost 60 years of marriage, they raised nine children and moved several times, finally settling in Arizona when Jim retired. During the child-rearing years, Pat was a Den Mother for cub scouts and a Girl Scout leader. She was always taking in stray dogs and cats and passed her love for animals onto her children. She was a favorite among neighborhood kids as the “Jilek house” always had a variety of toys and games to keep everyone busy. She wasn’t afraid to show how much she cared for everyone, especially her husband. Pat always remembered birthdays and special occasions of all her relatives which was not an easy task considering the size of her family. Through the years she tolerated many airplanes being built or fixed in the basement or garage. She was always a good sport about that and claimed that “airplanes would win” over her in a joking voice. Pat is survived by her children: Tony (Eileen) Jilek of Port Orchard, WA, John Jilek of Rush City, Mark (Rhonda) Jilek of Duluth, Nick (Sally) Jilek of River Falls, WI, Marie (Mike) Flora of Pennington, Larry Jilek of Rush City, Margaret Jilek of Norman, OK,Pete (Lorrie) Jilek of Little Rock, AR, 14 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, siblings Toni Chapman, Joe (Mary) Mazanec, Mary Anne Canales, Beth (Jack) Kondzela and many nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by her parents Anton and Mary Mazanec, husband James Jilek, son Joe Jilek, Sister Theresa (Bob) Clobowski, brothers-in-law Don Chapman, Dave Canales. Father Shane Wasinger celebrated a Memorial Mass; 11:00 AM Saturday (8/29/15) with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rush City and visitation Friday evening from 6-8 pm at the Olson Chapel in Rush City. A rosary was recited 8 pm Friday led by Mike Jilek. Music for the Mass was provided by Cathie Hendren and Steve Yurick. The inurnment took place in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Rush City with a salutatory airplane fly-over. Memorials preferred to donor's charity choice. Funeral arrangements for Pat Jilek (Mrs. Jim Jilek) of Rush City are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com