Joe Jilek graduated in 1963 from Rice Lake High School where was an All-Conference linebacker during both his junior and senior years. He was also a two-year letterman in wrestling. As a senior he qualified for state at 165 pounds. He also captained both the football and wrestling teams as a senior.
Following high school, Joe attended UW-River Falls. As a freshman he lettered in both football and wrestling. He decided to focus his attention on football during the rest of his college career. He lettered all four years in football and accumulated an impressive collection of awards. He was an All-Conference linebacker his last three years and a two-time Little All-American as well as the 1966 District 14 Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year. He was captain and MVP of the UW-River Falls football team his senior year. He played professional football for the Toronto Rifles in 1967.
In 1967, Joe was hired by the Mondovi School District and named as head wrestling coach. One year later he moved to Clear Lake where he coached football for nine years and baseball for five.
Since there was no chance of Joe getting the head wrestling position, he decided to pursue officiating. For the next 40 years, Joe officiated at football, wrestling, baseball and softball. He worked 14 WIAA state wrestling tournaments and state championships in football, wrestling and baseball. For 30 years he has been and still is a rules interpreter for the WIAA. He also continues to act as a referee tournament assigner.
In 1994, Joe received the National Federation Interscholastic Officials Association Award for Outstanding Officials. In 2001, he received the Ken Kirby Award for Umpire of the Year for the State of Wisconsin.
Joe and his wife Renee live in Glenwood City. The Jileks have two married sons, Todd and Craig. Todd and his wife Andrea and Craig and his wife Carrie have provided the Jileks with five grandchildren.

Joseph Jilek 01/31/2020
Joseph Benedict Jilek, age 74, of River Falls died Friday, January 31, 2020 at Kinnic Health and Rehab in River Falls. He was born the son to John S. and Marie (Stodola) Jilek on March 9, 1945 in Rice Lake, WI. He graduated from Rice Lake High School. Joe attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where he played football for four years and was selected as an All-American Player. Joe taught Physical Education and Math, including several years as school Athletic Director and as Assistant School Principal, along with coaching baseball, football, wrestling and track before retiring in 2000 from the Glenwood City school system. He also was a referee for WIAA and a mentor to many officials and students. After 40 years of officiating, Joe was inducted into the National Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame. Joe enjoyed fishing, ice fishing and deer hunting. He is remembered as a sports enthusiast and was a Packer and Badger fan. He loved every minute of attending his sons and grandchildren’s sporting events and did not miss a game. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John S. and Marie; granddaughter, Alyssa; brother, Tom; sister, Delores; sister-in-law, Anne; and brother-in-law, Jerry. He is survived by his wife, Renee; sons, Todd (Andrea) and Craig Jilek; grandsons, Daniel, Will and Nicholas Jilek; granddaughter, Delanie Jilek; sisters, Mary Nunke and Helen Jilek; brothers, John and Tony Jilek; brother-in-law, Gene (Cindy) McKahan; sister-in-law, Betty (Lew) Cran; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 10:30 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church (211 E Division St.) in River Falls. Visitation took place on Monday, February 3, 2020 from 5-8 pm at St. Bridget and on Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 am. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

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