Laurence E. Jilka

A funeral Mass for Laurence E. Jilka, 85, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary Queen of the Universe Catholic Church in Salina with the Rev. Kerry Ninemire officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Salina.Mr. Jilka died Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.He was born Oct. 14, 1922, in Wilson. Mr. Jilka served during World War II with the U.S. Army 69th Division in Germany. He and his brother, Bernard, owned Jilka Furniture in Salina for many years. He then worked as assistant manager for the Elmore Center in Salina until he retired. He was a member of the Salina Elks and Knights of Columbus.Survivors include his wife, Mildred, of the home; three sons, Robert and wife Judy, Little Rock, Ark., Edward, Silverton, Colo.; and David and wife Patricia, Lawrence; two daughters, Mary Louise Jilka and husband Wesley Nakajima, Lexington, Ky., and Monica Gutierrez and husband Steve, Lawrence; a brother, Bernard, Salina; a sister, Marilyn Dobratz, Topeka; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, with a vigil and rosary service at 6 p.m. Thursday.The family suggests memorials to the church or Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St., Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66614. Online condolences may be sent at www.ryanmortuary.com.