Aileen P. Jelinek

Aileen P. (Simpkin) Jelinek, 85, of Pisek, ND died Thursday, July 7, 2011 at First Care Health Center of Park River, North Dakota. Aileen was born November 27, 1925, the daughter of the late Carl and Meda (Blakeman) Simpkin from Jacksonville, IL. She met Alexander Jelinek during World War II in Jacksonville and married on February 6, 1944 in a chapel at Chanute Field, IL. They made their home in Pisek in 1946 where they purchased the General Merchandise Store, now the J-Mart, Inc. They raised 13 children there. The most important things Aileen lived for was her faith and her love she shared with her family. She will be missed! Aileen was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, St. John Nepomucene Altar Society, Pro-Life, Pregnancy Help Center, 3rd Order of Franciscans,and also the Benedictine Order. Aileen taught religion classes & was involved in youth groups and adult retreats. She was a prayer warrior for anyone in need and a devout catholic convert. Aileen was an avid reader, artist, seamstress and designer. She loved to restore statues for the church. She taught herself how to play the piano, accordion and guitar.Aileen thirsted for knowledge about her Catholic faith. Our gentle mother is survived by her children: Judy Dunn, Sioux City, IA; Pat (David) Karas, Larimore, ND; Leland Jelinek, Grand Forks, ND; Loy (Ruth) Jelinek, Pisek, ND; Mary Jelinek, Elk City, ID; Teresa (Bill) Brandt, Pisek, ND; Francis (Bonnie) Jelinek, Pisek, ND; Dominic Jelinek, Pisek, ND; Carmel (Brian) Litton, Fargo, ND; Stephen (Irene) Jelinek, Plainsfield, NJ; Bernadette (Jeff) Hanson, Park River, ND; Cynthia (Larry) Schiernbeck, Park River, ND; Germaine (Steve) Heller, Cavalier, ND; 29 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. Aileen was preceded in death by her darling husband Alexander in 2005, her parents, one brother Donald Simpkin, sons-in-law: Leonard Dunn and David Shaw, grandsons: Travis Dunn and Jeremiah Jelinek, her mother and father-in-law: John and Katherine Jelinek and their children. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John's Catholic Church of Pisek. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the St. John's Catholic Church in Pisek. Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the church cemetery. In leiu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the Pregnancy Help Center, Highway 17 East in Park River, ND.