Bruce Alan Jilk

About Bruce

Bruce was born to Francis Jilk and Adeline Jilk (nee Garringer) in International Falls, MN on September 6, 1942. He spent most of his youth in Winona, Minnesota where he eventually met his life's love, Patti Jilk (nee Bilder) while working at Watkins Spice Factory.

Patti and Bruce were wed on August 29th, 1964 and soon began a family with the birth of their son, Ross, in 1965 and daughter, Gwendolyn, in 1966.

Bruce earned his degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota and practiced architecture for several firms over the course of four decades. His specialty was in designing schools and understanding how the educational environment affects the students' learning. One of his proudest achievements was his contributions to the Zoo School in Apple Valley, MN. He also contributed to the design of multiple international schools including schools in Iceland, Finland and Denmark.

Bruce also indulged in multiple hobbies. He was an avid lake and whitewater canoer. He loved the outdoors and brought his family on near yearly camping trips. One of his biggest joys in his last few decades was to travel with Patti, especially to Italy. He was also an avid bibliophile, amassing an extensive library of architecture books.

Patti proceeded Bruce in death by several months, and it was this loss that became too much for him to bare. He is survived by his two children and three grandchildren, Isabel, Lily and Sophia.

memorial service

Celebration of life

July 16, 2022

12971 3rd St S

Afton, MN 55001