Gerold Dean Jilka, 79 of Mission, passed away November 25, 2025, in Salina Kansas. He was born December 12, 1946, in Leavenworth Kansas, to Edward Jr. and Celestial Elisabeth (West) Jilka.
Gerold graduated from Salina High in 1964. After high school he attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1968. Gerold joined the Air Force after graduation, serving in Vietnam and received a purple heart. After four years of service Gerold left the Air Force.
Gerold Dean Jilka served 30 years as an Air Traffic Controller for Kansas City International and Omaha International airports. In retirement, he spent time between his two homes; Mission Kansas and Scottsdale Arizona during the cold Kansas winters as this allowed him to golf year-round. Gerold’s love for golf and consistent play earned him a lifetime 8 handicap. Though Scottsdale provided abundant sun and warmth, his heart was always in Kansas City where he could watch and cheer for his beloved Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.
Preceded in death by Edward Jilka Jr., Celestial E. Jilka, Kimberly Ann Peterson
Survivors: Edward R. Jilka, Ann Jilka, Bryan Jilka, Carol Wedel, Riley Jilka, Chase Jilka, Hannah & Tyler Fowler.
The visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday December 8, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, Kansas, followed by an 11 a.m. burial at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.