08/16/2025
It is with a heavy heart that we share that Dr. Tony Jilek has passed away. Tony was both an alumnus of CAFES (1964) and a long-time faculty member in the animal science program (1981 - 2007) with expertise in animal genetics. Beyond the classroom, alumni might remember him for his involvement with Block and Bridle, the Rodeo, or one of the student trips he led to Mexico or Nicaragua.
Tony and his family lived in Latin America for several years, which ignited his passion for international work. In 1981 he began volunteering for the non-profit, Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas program. Tony and his family have been active with W/NP for decades. Tony enticed his good friend, the late Dr. Jerry Nolte to join him in these efforts, and after they both retired from teaching, there was no stopping them! There was always a Ga***rd pallet box or two tucked in a corner of AGS that they were in the process of packing for shipment to Nicaragua. They were regularly bringing in all sorts of donations - computers, dental office equipment, medical equipment, books, school supplies, sports equipment, and even an ambulance. Over the years they persuaded a number of other faculty to join them on one or more trips to Nicaragua to help with various agricultural and educational projects. Together Tony and Jerry were the informal welcoming committee of CAFES, greeting everyone from new faculty to new chancellors, to promote international efforts.
Tony was a long time member of the River Falls Rotary Club, and it’s clear he truly fulfilled their mission to have a positive impact on the community, build international relationships, and create a better world.
Every few weeks Tony and Jerry would gather a group of faculty and staff that had been to Nicaragua, or that they hoped they could persuade to go to Nicaragua. These “Nicaraguan seminars” as they were known, included some good Nicaraguan rum. We like to think now that the two are reunited, there’s another Nicaraguan seminar in the works.
Anthony Jilek, age 83 of River Falls, WI, died on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at his home in River Falls. Visitation will be on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 4-8 pm with a prayer service at 7:30 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church 211 E Division Street River Falls, WI with visitation at church from 10-11 am. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be in St. Bridget Cemetery in River Falls. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
You can also view the information here: https://bakken-young.com/anthony-jilek-08-12-2025/
