Jerry A. Bilek, Jr.

Jerry A. Bilek, Jr., 72, of Janesville, WI, died Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville. Jerry was born and raised in Chicago, graduating from Riverside Brookfield High School in 1956 and then from the University of Illinois with a degree in Engineering in 1962 and an MBA in 1964. In 1965 he married Marie Handley in Springfield, IL. This September they would have celebrated 45 years together, marked by much love and devotion, and a great appreciation for family, good friends and good times, especially wonderful trips to Florida and Europe. Jerry was employed by the Parker Pen Company for 18 years and he also worked for Harnischfeger Corporation, Anco, and the Pleasant Company. Jerry enjoyed playing golf and softball, supporting the YMCA wrestling team, managing the Parker Pen softball team and cheering for the White Sox and Bears, even while living in Brewer and Packer territory. Jerry was named Volunteer of the Year in 2000 by the Wisconsin Credit Union League and recognized for his years of service on the Parker Community Credit Union Board. Jerry began his directorship in 1982 and remained on the board until 2008. During that time he served as board secretary and board chair promoting a strong board and management team and an aggressive approach to education and training. A PCCU student scholarship program was named in his honor. Jerry was also a devoted Mercy Hospital Meals on Wheels volunteer for many years. Jerry is survived by his wife Marie; son, Jerry A. Bilek III (Julie Neiworth); granddaughter, Isabel; nieces, Patty Weimer (Duane) and Janet Pallardy (Chris); nephew, Peter Denando (Lora); great nieces and nephews, Gina and Michael Denando, Alyssa and Rebecca Weimer, Meghan and Madison Pallardy; uncles, Tony Bilek and Ray Oplt (Romaine); Aunt Sandy Bilek; and many cousins. Jerry is also survived by in-laws from his wife Marie's family: Judy Hawks (Delmar Donley); Bonnie Altman (Brian); Barbara McMeans (Earl); Ed Handley (Becky); Linda Hawks (Danny); Clint Handley; Kathy Handley (Butch Rouland); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Emily Bilek; his father and mother- in-law, Al and Olga Handley; sister, Arlene Denando and her husband Albert; and brother-in-law, Mark Handley. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 15 between 10 and 11 a.m. at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. A memorial celebration in honor of Jerry's life will be held Sunday, July 18, 7-9 p.m. at Rotary Gardens in Janesville. Henke-Clarson Funeral Home, Janesville, is assisting the family. The family wishes to thank Dr. D. Green, L. Brethauer, Mercy Hospital oncology nurses and staff and Dr. F. Brodkey and Dr. B. Omari. Memorial donations may be made to the Jerry A. Bilek Scholarship Fund at the Parker Community Credit Union, P.O. Box 937, Janesville, WI 53547-0937 and the Meals on Wheels program at Mercy Hospital, 1000 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville, WI 53548.