Herbert Jilek

FIELDON-  Herbert Charles Jilek, 95, died at 10:02 p.m., Sunday, May 10, 2015 in the emergency room at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.He was born in Jersey County, near Fieldon, on Jan. 24, 1920, one of three children born to the late John Francis & Elizabeth (Pieper) Jilek.Herbert served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army serving in Normandy and with the Battle of the Bulge.During his lifetime, Herbert had worked for various places for short times, but his main love and passion was farming.  He and his wife, raised their family of five children on the farm where they instilled hard work, faith and love of family.He married the former Mary Dolores Lammy on Dec. 19, 1945 in Jerseyville, and they shared nearly 70 years together.Surviving are his wife, Dolores Jilek of Fieldon; five children & their spouses, David & Jean Jilek of Springdale, Ar., Carol Schleeper of Hamburg, Karen & James White of Alton, Paul & Elaine Jilek of Jerseyville, and Mary & David Patton of Godfrey; 14 Grandchildren; 14 Great Grandchildren; and one sister, Lauretta Alexander of Jerseyville.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son in law, Charles Schleeper on Nov. 2, 2013; and a brother, John Harold Jilek.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fieldon, with Father William Hembrow officiating.Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Fieldon with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites.Memorials may be given to the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 Color Guard.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home