George Jedlicka

George Jedlicka, 77, formerly of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at Beacon Hill Retirement Community in Lombard, Ill.

He was born in Chicago. He and Aline Olishifski were married in 1957. She preceded him in death in 1992.

George grew up in Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in agricultural engineering. He started his career and family in Shelbyville, Ill., designing farm equipment for Oliver Corp.

In 1978 George moved to Cape Girardeau as vice president of engineering for Schuld Manufacturing. While in Cape Girardeau he started his own business, Engineered Tanks Industries (ETI) designing and manufacturing bulk storage tanks. Before retiring and moving back to the Chicago area, George was a contractor with Fru-Con working as a process safety engineer for Procter & Gamble five years.

He was an active member of the community as a volunteer for the American Red Cross, a board member of the Community Mental Health Board 23 years, and a member of the Mill Tax Board. George and Aline especially loved traveling together, bridge groups, and gardening. His interests included sailing and biking with his kids.

He is survived by his children: Ben (Terry) Jedlicka of Riley, Kan., Julie (Steve) Matthews of St. Louis, Tim (Marla) Jedlicka of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; a brother, Edward (Cookie) Jedlicka of Lone Rock, Wis.; four grandchildren, Sabrina, Ivan, Robyn and Wesley Jedlicka; and a great-grandchild, Avery Jedlicka.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to service time Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.