Gilbert Leo Jelinek

HAMILTON - Gilbert Leo Jelinek, 98, of Hamilton passed away Friday, January 14, 2011 at Valley View Estates in Hamilton. He was born September 19, 1912 in Miles City, MT the son of Frank and Christine Jelinek the fourth of six children.
Gilbert's father was a partner in Miles City Saddlery, the maker of the original Coggshall Saddle. Gilbert graduated from Custer County High School in 1929. That fall he went to work at the Miles City Daily Star in their office supply department.
In 1932, 1933 and 1934, Gilbert and a friend traveled to Chicago via cattle train. They had to take all of the cattle off the train at certain stops and water and feed the cattle. In 1932 they saw the World Series game at Wrigley Field in which Babe Ruth pointed and called his home run. In 1933 they went to the World's Fair in Chicago and in 1934 they went to the World Series in St. Louis. In 1936, Gilbert and some friends went to Mexico City on the Pan American Highway which was opened that year.
In 1931 Gilbert transferred to the editorial department at the newspaper working as a proof reader. In late 1932 an opening in the production of the paper developed. After serving his apprenticeship Gilbert moved to Hamilton in 1937 and began working at the Western News as the linotype operator for Miles Romney, Sr until his son, Miles, Jr and wife Ruth took over the paper later that year.
Gilbert worked with Miles, Jr until his death in 1976. Mrs. Romney sold the business but not the building to Ed Scripps, owner of the Ravalli Republic. In 1977 Scripps stopped publishing the Western News, giving most of the printing machinery to the Hamilton Historical Society. At this time, Gilbert transferred to the Ravalli Republic, managing the commercial department until his retirement in September of 1977. Gilbert married Frances Reynolds on May 26, 1939. Gilbert and Frances became parents of five children and they were all raised and educated in Hamilton. Frances was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1955, and Gilbert faithfully cared for her through the years. He became her full time caregiver following his retirement until her passing in 1994.
In their early married years, Gilbert and Frances grew strawberries on the land now occupied by Walgreen's in Hamilton. Safeway and Sizer's Economy Grocery bought the berries.
Gilbert served on the Hamilton City Council twice, at which time the councilmen were paid 3 dollars a meeting. He was also a member of the Democratic Central Committee from 1938 until 1964 and served as secretary for many years. Gilbert was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church for over 70 years.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife, Frances; his parents; his sisters, Sylvia Cosens and Dorothy Carey; his brothers, Paul Jelinek and Dr. Charles Jelinek; his son, Gary Jelinek; and his grandchildren; Matthew Jelinek and Jeffery Walling. He is survived by his sister, Christine Johnson of Hall, MT; his children, Janice Walling and husband Lee of Knoxville, TN, Thomas Jelinek of Nevada City, CA, Mark Jelinek and wife Martha of Renton, WA and Maria Taylor and husband Graham of Great Falls, MT; 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.