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 pm, 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 pm. Please come celebrate Larry’s life with his family.
Larry 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 1970, was drafted into the US military.
Larry served in the Army spending time in the US and Germany from 1970-1972. He was discharged to the Army reserves from 1972-1976. He was honorably discharged in 1976 and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Sharpshooter M16 medal. After discharge he 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 sales where he bid on iron and scrap metal that he later took to Regina, Canada with his daughter. 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.
Larry enjoyed spending time with family, he had a brilliant mind when it came to helping his son-in-law Kevin 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 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; brother-in-law Don Gilbertson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Jilek; sister, Dolly Gilbertson; brother-in-law, Alfred Krauter; and sister-in-law, Donna Jilek.
