IdaLou Elmira Jilek, age 86, passed away peacefully with her children by her side on October 3, 2026. She was born on August 25, 1940, and grew up in Pony Hollow near Elkader, Iowa, to William and Irene Bahls.

Growing up with eight siblings, she learned early the importance of family, hard work, and making the most of life. She carried those lessons with her throughout the years and passed them on to her children and grandchildren.

She raised her family in Swisher, Iowa, before moving to Guttenberg, Iowa. She then spent 20 years living in Viroqua, Wisconsin, with Gene Halverson. Throughout her life, she worked hard but also knew how to enjoy life and make memories along the way.

In her later years, she lived in Cedar Rapids with her sister, Gerri Slaybaugh.

She is survived by her children, Jeannie Horn; Teri Meendering and her husband, Ron; and Jeff Jilek and his wife, Juli.

She was a loving grandmother to Jennifer Crumbaugh, Jason Potter, Brandon Horn, Sara Petrie and her husband, Mike. Greg Jilek and his wife, Sarah.

Her great-grandchildren, Ava and Noah Klein, Landyn and McKenna Crumbaugh, Leslee Mae Horn, Lucas, Olive and Kingston Petrie, and Laith Al-Ghamdi, brought another generation of love and joy into her life.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Susan Jilek; grandson, Brandon Horn; George Jilek; and five of her siblings, Delores, Dwayne, Harold, Lavon, Janette and Joann. She is survived by Geraldine and Donald.

She leaves behind a family who could not have asked for a better example of strength, hard work, humor, and love.

She will be deeply missed, but her love, strength, and wit will live on in all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday November 27, 2026 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids.