John "Jack" Jilek, 91

John “Jack” Jilek died at his Town of Antigo home on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the age of 91.

He was born September 7, 1927 in Antigo, son of the late Julius and Catherine (Callahan) Jilek. He married Pat Mulligan on August 1, 1977 in Grand Forks, ND, and she survives.

Jack was a 1945 graduate of Antigo High School, and a lifelong resident of the area.

He was a Langlade County potato grower. After his retirement from full-time farming, he continued to work for Wild Seed Potato Farm.

He was active in his profession, serving in positions with the Wisconsin Seed Improvement Association, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers, Wisconsin Potato Growers, US Potato Board, and was a delegate to the US Potato Council. He also served the community by serving on the Langlade County Board for 8 years. He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

In addition to his wife include 2 daughters, Mary Pat Jilek of Madison, Annie (Dave) Noorzad of Fremont, CA; 2 sons, Gerard Jilek of Oregon, and Joe of Madison; 3 stepdaughters, Gwen Utnehmer of Antigo; Jean Brandt of Duluth, MN, and Janie Utnehmer of Milwaukee; 3 stepsons, Roger (Karen) Utnehmer of Wausau, Patrick (Bonnie) Utnehmer of Temecula, CA, and Billy (Marie) Utnehmer of Sonoma, CA; a sister, Judy Bauknecht of Antigo; and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Wong, and 2 sisters, Marge Walters and Catherine “Cassie” Bauknecht.

A memorial mass will take place at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, March 26 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Neva, with Father Matt Simonar officiating . Visitation will be 10:00-11:30 AM at the church. Interment will take place at a later date in Queen of Peace Cemetery.