In loving memory of DuWayne A. Jilek who passed away Sunday, April 11, 2010 in Iowa. A Memorial Mass for DuWayne will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 24, 2010 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Jim Braaten as celebrant.
DuWayne A. Jilek, 46, of Marion, died Sunday, April 11, 2010, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. DuWayne was born February 13, 1964, the son of Wayne and Diane (Privratsky) Jilek, in Dickinson, North Dakota. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. DuWayne married Shelley Anderson on June 13, 1987. He earned his Executive MBA Degree from the University of Iowa.
DuWayne was an outstanding father, husband, and amazing friend. In his countless interactions with friends and family, he much preferred to hear about others’ lives and consequently had special connections with many people. Some of DuWayne’s interests included woodworking, playing guitar, Christian and country music, and going to concerts with his girls. DuWayne and his family enjoyed camping and spending time with their friends. He loved following his girls’ activities and was very proud of everything Amanda and Lauren have accomplished.
On a humorous note, DuWayne was known for slightly-burned hamburgers, starting many home projects, and falling asleep at nearly every party he attended. His confidence in duct tape as the go-to tool led to many laughs with family and friends.
DuWayne was a graduate of Dickinson Trinity High School, active in music and athletics. While attending NDSU, he was involved in the Concert Choir. After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, DuWayne and Shelley moved to Albuquerque, NM, where he was employed by Honeywell. In 1988, they relocated to Cedar Rapids, IA, where he began his career at Rockwell International working in Commercial Systems. From 1993 until 1995, they relocated to Fargo, ND, where DuWayne worked for Phoenix International. They returned to Iowa and Rockwell, where DuWayne has held a variety of positions in Commercial Systems and Government Systems, including hardware designer, project management, and department management. Most recently, he was the Principle Marketing Manager. DuWayne was especially proud of his current project work with the United States military, as he was a true patriot.
DuWayne was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church, where he was a choir member, served as Council President for several years, and continued to have an active role in the leadership of the church. DuWayne’s faith was exemplified by how he lived his life; as a hardworking, selfless person always interested in others. As an organ donor, DuWayne is able to continue his selfless giving and positively impact the lives of countless others.
Survivors include his wife, Shelley; and his two daughters, Amanda and Lauren; his parents, Wayne and Diane Jilek; mother-in-law, Marjorie Anderson of Clifford; grandmother, Anna Privratsky of Dickinson; siblings, Darryl (Karla) Jilek of Wahpeton, Dianna (Phil) Hansen of Detroit Lakes, Minn., Doug (Deanna) Jilek, of Dickinson, Dean (Diane) Jilek of Roseville, Minn., Dale (Adia) Jilek of Augusta, Ga., and Dwight (Alyssa) Jilek of Northfield, Minn.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Debbie (Lynn) Holbrook of Grand Forks, Mary (Dan) Abramowski of Buffalo, Minn., and John (Rilla) Anderson of Clifford; and many well-loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Albert Privratsky; paternal grandparents, Anton & Sophie Jilek; and father-in-law, Gordon Anderson.
During DuWayne’s professional life, he had continued building relationships on behalf of NDSU. DuWayne fostered the strong relationship between the Engineering Department and Rockwell Collins, and was also a strong promoter of NDSU alumni events in Iowa.
