Larry Dale Jilek, 75, Dickinson, died on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at CHI St. Alexius Health Bismarck with family by his side. A Celebration of Life Service for Larry will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 15, 2026 at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Dickinson. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Lunch and fellowship will follow at the Stark County Veterans Pavillion at 2 p.m. Please come celebrate Larry’s life with his family.
Larry Dale Jilek was born on November 15, 1950 in Dickinson to Steve and Laura (Kostelnak) Jilek. He grew up on a farm south of Dickinson, where at an early age, his tremendous work ethic and love for farming and ranching was instilled. Larry attended school in South Heart, and in 1971, was drafted into the US military. Larry served in the Army spending time in the US and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1973 and returned to the family farm. Throughout his life Larry would operate many farms and ranches in North Dakota and Montana.
Although his first love was agriculture, Larry was never shy about spreading his wings and could often be found behind the wheel of a semi or at auction sale where he would bid on iron and scrap metal that was later shipped to Regina, Canada. He would arrive to a group of strangers, but with his open personality, friendly nature and gift of gab, he would make many friends.
Larry met Gwen Kostelecky at Woolworth’s in Dickinson. They were married on April 19, 1974 and during this union they had one daughter, Dana. They later divorced and he met Linda Ness.\
He enjoyed spending time with family, he had a brilliant mind when it came to helping his son-in-law, Kevin Kirsch repair equipment. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren, tubing in the creek, teaching Declan to drive the tractors and saving dollar bills to give to Christian. He loved to stoke the wood stove and took great pride in teaching others in the correct way to build the fire.
Larry is survived by his daughter, Dana (Kevin) Kirsch and their children, Kyla and Kindra Kirsch, Christian and Declan Avison. He is also survived by his siblings, Betty Krauter, David (Darlene) Jilek, Bonnie (Jim) Peter, Maynard Jilek, Doug (Theresa) Jilek; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bob Jilek; and sister, Dolly Gilbertson; and brother-in-law, Al Krauter.
