Evelyn G. Jilek

Evelyn “Evie” Grace Jilek, 88 of Jefferson and formerly of the Birchwood area passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Evie was born August 23, 1935, to Joseph and Goldie (Edgett) Kringle in Angus, WI. She was the youngest of 5 children. She grew up in the Birchwood area. She married Richard Jilek on June 18, 1955, in Birchwood, and started their family together in Franklin, WI. Eventually, they all moved to Helenville in 1964, and sold the house in 2011 where all her children and grandchildren grew up, then moved to Jefferson.

Evie was a very well-known bus driver for Jefferson Bus Company for 35 years.

Evie enjoyed watching her soap operas (that she got many of her children and grandchildren to watch with her), taking annual trips up to Birchwood with her family, and going to “happy hour” to shake dice. You knew when she was a winner at anything because she would yell out her famous “Okeedokee”. She enjoyed gardening, sitting outside enjoying her flowers and wildlife, canning pickles, making lefse, celebrating family Birthdays, and she would never turn down a trip to a casino or a good meat raffle. We were often told, “It’s not what you win, it’s the thrill of winning.” 

She is survived by her, 3 daughters: Vicki (Jim) Frohmader of Jefferson, Diane (Brad) Musgrove of Jefferson, Linda Riedl of Jefferson, and her 3 sons: Al (Lana) Jilek of Jefferson, Mark Jilek of Rockford IL., Gary (Reno) Jilek recently moved from Orlando to Jefferson.

Evie, who many also called “Grandma”,  is also survived by her grandchildren who loved her dearly: Tracee (Dan) Weisensel of Muskego, Tami (Joe) Rueth of Ogema, Jeni (Craig) Henning of Helenville, Beki (Jamie) Genz of Watertown, Eric (Amber) Johnson of Oregon, Randy (Lindsay) Jilek of Fort Atkinson, Scott Jilek (Mande) of Fort Atkinson, Dan (Lindsey) Weiss of Bishop, California.

Also, 11 Great Grandchildren who referred to her as “Great” and could always put a smile on her face, Max, Sebastian, Carver, Conrad, Maddie, Emma, Easton, Louie, Artie, Jack, and James. As well as many other nieces and nephews.

Living without our mom and grandma every day will be extremely difficult, having the many years of memories that we will all carry with us is priceless!

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard Jilek, three brothers: Glenn, Lloyd, and Howard, and a sister, Blanche Rumphol, and two son-in-laws David Johnson, and Pete Riedl.

The family would like to  Thank Rainbow Hospice for the wonderful care they gave our mom and grandma.

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our heart.” – Gandhi

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. 

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