Dr Vilibald “Bill” Jenko passed away on Friday, June 6,2018 at his home in Helena MT. Bill was born on October 27, 1921 in the town of Krasnja, Slovenia to Albina and Aloysius Jenko. Bill grew up in a small village in Slovenia. He loved music and spent his younger years playing accordion in a band traveling throughout villages in Slovenia. He later went to Medical School in Ljubljana with the goal of being a country doctor. These plans were interrupted by WW II. He and his family were forced to flee their homeland to Austria due to the Communist takeover in May of 1945. Separated from this family, he went to a Refugee Camp in Austria where he spent 5 years. He had to re-enroll in Medical School in Austria and start his medical education this time in German. During that time he met the love of his life, Marija Lekan, who was also a Slovenian refugee.
In 1949 he immigrated to America followed by Marija in 1950. They were reunited and married in Cleveland OH in June 1951. They moved to Butte MT and started their family. Bill began his Medical career at St. James Hospital. They then moved to Salt Lake City where he began a surgical residency before finally relocated to Helena MT where he was staff Surgeon at the Veteran’s Administration for 32 years. During that time Bill and Marija had 6 children. They loved Montana as it resembled Slovenia. With intrepid spirit they built their home for their growing family with no previous experience from a mail order kit. Bill lived in this home until his passing. Along the way, built another home for his parents and a cabin on the Swan River Bill was also in the Army Reserve for many years and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He retired in 1987 where he continued an active life in retirement and skied with a season pass until age 88. He loved to take his family camping all over the state of Montana, National Parks and Canada. Bill and Marja returned to Slovenia on numerous occasions as well as traveled throughout Europe. He also became a ham radio operator and enjoyed talking to people all over the world. He was fluent in numerous languages and volunteered at the Montana Historical Society as a translator for 10 yrs. He also active in his church and volunteered at Nursing Homes.
He was known for his smile, generosity and kindness as well as being an excellent surgeon and a compassionate and caring physician. We will miss his generous spirit, the twinkle in his eye and positive nature. He always woke up with a smile.
From his memoir; “Through the will of God, we endured times of great sorrow, harsh living conditions, the ups and downs, and the ever present fear of the unknown. By our resolve and the belief that a brighter future was possible, we managed our way through all of this. Now that we live in Helena, I can say with satisfaction, that by the will of the Lord, we were meant to be here and that He has met all of our needs. This is the end of my story, for better for worse. But though my time here has not come to an end yet, I take solace in the knowledge that I made it, I am safe, and that I belong here. This place may not be Slovenia, but it is a place that I can call home, and a place that I will live out all the rest of my days in peace. And that is something that I thank God for.”
Bill is survived by his wife Marija and brother Al Jenko. Also his children Tom (Gail), Mark, Mary Kay, Dan (Lynne), John (Ronda) and Barbara. Also survived by his 13 grandchildren (Gabriel, Elliot, Spencer, Nick, Bryan, Katrina, Andrea, Ian, Nolan, Miranda, Lindsey, Connor, Logan and Shane); and 5 great grandchildren.
Viewing will be at 4:30 p.m. with a vigil service to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 9th at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10th at the church. A funeral reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Rite of Committal will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials and donations can be made in his name to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Montana Historical Society.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday July 9, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
5:30 p.m.
Monday July 9, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday July 9, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
5:30 p.m.
Monday July 9, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Reception
Tuesday July 10, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Sacramenta Landrum says
Deepest condolences to the Jenko family and friends for the loss of your loved one Vilibald. Please read God’s wonderful promise for the loved ones we have lost in death to be fulfilled very soon right here on a brand new Paradise Earth by his son Jesus Christ a resurrection back to life for the righteous and the unrighteous Acts 24:15; John 5: 28,29; Revelation 21: 1-5. It will give you hope and comfort during this difficult time.
Suzanne and Fred Charland says
Dearest Jenkos, we just heard the sad news about Uncle Bill. We know his passing leaves a big hole in all your hearts. Remember all the good times you had and take joy in them. I will always remember how kind he was to me during my childhood trips to MT. Thinking of you all with love and sympathy… Suzanne and Fred
Terry W Bass says
A wonderful man with great standards. May he Rest In Peace and Perpetual Light shine on him and family members.
Susan Bass Proul says
To the Jenko family..so very sorry for your loss. Childhood memories at the Jenko house are so prevalent. Thoughts and many prayers to all…
May he forever Rest In Peace …
DORIS ROMANISKO says
Mary Kay, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Bonnie Holewa says
Deepest sympathy to ALL of my dear (old) neighbors in the passing of your dad (husband). Dr. Jenko was a one in a million guy! Hoping your memories of a life well lived give you comfort at this time. Much love.
Bonnie (Gray) Holewa
Nancy Young says
To the family of Dr. Vilibald A. Jenko. Words cannot express the pain you’re feeling. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your family. Acts 24 verse 15.
Katie White says
Dear Jenko Family – our condolences to all of you. Those of us who worked with Dr. Jenko at the Montana Historical Society consider ourselves extremely lucky. He was an inspiration! His work at the Society was so remarkable and important. He was so dedicated to translating our Croation Fraternal Union of America Records and volunteering well into his 90’s! We learned a great deal from this amazing man and we are very sad at MHS.
Mary McGonigal Duede says
Mary Kay, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Dad.
My father used to love to see him up at Great Divide where they both skiied well into
their 80s! We can only hope that we move forward with the great faith and fortitude they had!
God Bless you all at this most difficult time.
Linnea and Steve Armstrong says
Dear Barb and Jenko family,
It is always so difficult to lose a loved one, particularly a Mom or Dad. Both of our parents are long gone, and we still miss them and talk about them every day. Your Dad sounds like a true gem, and being without him will not be easy. We send God’s blessings to you to help you through, and know that you are never alone and that you will all meet again in Heaven. What a blessing!!
Love to you always, Linnea and Steve
Darrin Strosnider says
To Mark Jenko and his family-
I did not know your father but I can tell from the obituary that he loved his family, work, and the challenges life brought to him. His adventures in Slovenia, Austria and America sound like they helped to build a great character – I bet his memoir is a fascinating read. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him.
My thoughts are with you and your family, Mark.
Best,
Darrin
Charlie Schulz says
Hey John sorry about your dad what a guy! Didn’t get to know him that well but he raised a mentor for me. Hope all is well with you and Rhonda.
The Schulz’s
Desera Towle says
Dear Tom, Gail and family, I wish you deep sympathy in the recent death of your father. I felt he was a man who easily earned other’s respect. It is interesting reading his background before Helena. How awesome he was able to be at home. Caretaking is a loving task which is seldom appreciated. We have lost touch over the years. Would love to catch up. Peace be with you, Desera Towle
Lorie Temple says
Dear Jenko Family,
We are sorry to hear about Dr. Jenko’s death. All of our family has great memories of him.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Lorie Temple and Mike and Lisa Harvey
Judy Griffith says
I met Dr. Jenko and Marija while working at Fort Harrison in the 60’s and encountered them at many community events after his retirement. He was perpetually kind, enthusiastic and friendly, always remembering your name and ready with a quick smile and uplifting greeting that left you feeling he was genuinely happy to see you even though you were just a casual acquaintance. He was a delightful man and a bright sparkle of life in this world. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Cari Hutchison says
I had the honor of meeting and working with Dr. Jenko many years ago at the Fort Harrison VA. I lost track of this remarkable man over the years, but never forgot the compassion, kindness and integrity he always personified. He made an everlasting impact to so many, me included. My deepest condolences to the Jenko family.
Candace Dykeman says
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Dr. Jenko and his family were welcoming to me when I worked in Helena with their son, Mark. Dr. Jenko was not a tall man but he was the tallest man I have ever met. His acceptance, understanding and giving nature were gratefully accepted when I lived in Helena. Dr. Jenko, as his family, made my time in Helena fuller as a person who was thousands of miles from my home. He gave me a wonderful light of understanding in my entire life. His existence on this earth will never be forgotten by myself and I am sure many others.