Jon Jelinek

Jon Jay Jelinek

January 3, 1941 - May 8, 2025

Jon Jay Jelinek, of Plymouth, Minnesota, passed away on May 8th at the age of 84. Born on January 3, 1941, in Austin, Minnesota, Jon was raised in Blooming Prairie, where he graduated from Blooming Prairie High School.

Jon was the second of three children born to Thomas and Myrtle Jelinek. He grew up in Blooming Prairie alongside his older brother Richard and younger sister Jeri (Jelinek) Noble in a loving and hardworking family.

A talented athlete, Jon attended the University of Minnesota and played football for the Golden Gophers. He was a proud member of the 1960 team - the university's most recent consensus national championship football team.

After his time at the University of Minnesota, Jon served honorably in the United States Navy for two years aboard the USS Saratoga. Upon completing his service, he returned to Minnesota to continue his education, graduating from Mankato State University in 1967.

Jon built a successful 22-year career in sales and marketing with U.S. West Direct, where he worked from 1968 to 1990.

Above all, Jon was a family man. He was the devoted husband and love of a lifetime to Sandy Jelinek. Together, they raised three children: Tom Jelinek (54), Mark Jelinek (51), and Melissa Mills (49). Jon was a proud grandfather to Alex Braulick (30), Carter Mills (18), and Sydney Mills (13), and beamed with joy at the arrival of his great-grandson, Jaxen Braulick (2). He also had a loving son-in-law, Tramayne Mills, husband to Melissa and father to Sydney and Carter.

Jon's friendships were a defining part of his life. He stayed close with friends from every chapter - elementary school, high school, college, the Navy, and beyond. Being a good friend wasn't just a value to Jon - it was a way of life. It was common for him to pull out his Rolodex during the holidays and spend hours calling through his list of friends and family, wishing them well and making sure they knew they were loved. It was just who he was: someone who showed up, who remembered, and who made people feel important.

Known for his magnetic personality and boundless social energy, Jon was beloved by many. He rarely missed an opportunity to be part of a celebration - weddings, birthdays, holidays, class reunions, family reunions, or even funerals. If there were people to be with, Jon was there - fully present and full of joy. His immense social circle and warm-hearted nature earned him countless nicknames over the years: Buckshot, Bohunk, Brojack, Precious, Peaches, Bops, Bumpa, Daddy Bear, John, Jack, Triple J, Mr. J - each one a testament to the many lives he touched.

Jon loved being outdoors, especially when hunting or fishing. He enjoyed riding his lawnmower and relaxing with a good football game on TV. He found deep joy in the everyday rituals of life - coffee with friends, long breakfasts, casual lunches, and dinners filled with laughter. These small gatherings meant the world to him, and he made everyone around him feel like family. Despite his stature, Jon was a gentle soul - a protector with a soft heart who adored Little House on the Prairie and never missed an episode of Gold Rush on the Discovery Channel.

Jon will be deeply missed by his entire family and the many friends who were lucky enough to know him. He brought energy, laughter, and a spark to every room - a presence that simply cannot be replaced. One of his greatest joys was singing to his kids and grandkids while driving them around in the car, his voice ringing out with classics like Found a Peanut and On Top of Old Smokey. His love, his humor, and his songs will echo in our hearts forever.

We love you, Dad. We miss you. We look forward to feeling you near us again, hearing your voice in the quiet moments, and holding onto the laughter you gave us. Good luck on your journey. Don't forget us - we still need your constant advice, your booming laugh, and your driving directions. We will carry you with us, always.

"Not goodbye, just see you later..."

A celebration of Jon's life will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Blooming Prairie Servicemen's Club, 210 4th St NE, PO Box 211, Blooming Prairie, MN 55917. All are welcome to come share stories, memories, and laughter in honor of Jon.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made directly to the Blooming Prairie Servicemen's Club in Jon's memory, in appreciation for the community and camaraderie he cherished there.