Aaron Jelinek, 75 of Eden Prairie, MN, passed away on August 17, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. He was born to Parents Edward and Martha (Zidon) Jelinek on June 10, 1949 in Grafton, ND and raised on a farm in Pisek, ND. He graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural HS in Park River, ND in 1967. He then entered the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Seminary to study for the Roman Catholic Priesthood at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL and graduated in 1971 with a BA degree in Philosophy & Sociology. Aaron then entered the Oblate Novitiate in Godfrey, IL and left his studies there in 1972. He then returned to North Dakota and became employee at the Grafton Developmental Center where he held the following positions over the next 14 years: Residential Supervisor; Director of Staff Development; Director of Resident Living and Director of Quality Work Life Programs. During his years there, Aaron attended the University of North Dakota and earned a MA in Counseling and Guidance in 1978. He was also certified as an Emergency Medical Technician and served as the Squad Trainer, Crew Chief, President and Board of Director of Valley Ambulance & Rescue Service. Aaron became involved in the State EMS System and eventually served as the president of the North Dakota EMT/ECT organization.
In 1986, Aaron became a Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus Insurance Program in North Dakota. In 2005, Aaron was promoted to the position of General Agent with the Knights of Columbus in Southern Minnesota, a position he held until 2015 when he retired. In retirement, he was a professional bus operator for Southwest Transit and a Transportation Coordinator with Friendship Village of Bloomington.
Aaron married Cathy Schumacher in Grafton on April 19, 1975. He is survived by her and children, Jolie (Paul) Weiland of Richfield, MN; Jonathan (Kristy) Jelinek of Grafton, ND; Suzanne (Alan) Benjamin of Sioux Falls, SD and Louis (Shirley) Jelinek of Hong Kong. 13 grandchildren, Grace, Olivia & Alice Weiland; Warren, David & Elsie Jelinek; Micah, Natalie, Elizabeth, Leo & Edward Benjamin; Dakota & Nuka Jelinek.
A sister, Marge (Bob) Good of Sioux Falls, SD. Along with his Mother-in-law Helen Schumacher and brother-in-law David (Linda) Schumacher all of Grafton, ND. As well as several nieces & nephews. Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and a new born brother.
Funeral services will be held at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN September 7th at 11AM with visitation one hour before the service.
Burial will be at the St. John Nepomucene Church, cemetery in Pisek, ND Sunday Sept 8th at 4PM