Robin Sue Jilek

The sorrowful family announces the passing of Robin Sue Jilek, 65, of Mason City, on Friday evening, Dec. 13. She had quickly taken an unexpected turn after a long-fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis, but went peacefully, surrounded by love and light, holding the hands of her daughters. Per Robin's wishes, no formal services will be held, but instead, a celebration of life and a lantern-lighting ceremony will take place when the weather gets warmer.

Robin was born in Mason City on July 21, 1959, the youngest child of Joseph and Beverly Jilek. While she described herself as an awkward youth, Robin grew up to be a beautiful social butterfly, sharing laughs with many friends along the way. She married Paul Grouette in July 1975 in Mason City. To this this union, two daughters were born, Lisa Grouette, and Jessica Grouette Mason. In the spring of 1982, she and William Dunbar married and had a son, Travis Dunbar. In June of 1989, Robin married Michael Evans, and was blessed with two bonus daughters, Erin Evans Klotzbier and Britani Evans. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life.

A bit of an eccentric, Robin loved all things mystical. From collecting wizards and dragons to exploring the meanings of crystals and earth essences, she was fascinated by it all. Robin was also a proud nerd, and loved "Star Trek," "Harry Potter," "The Lord of the Rings," and tons of video games. She amassed hundreds of Nintendo game titles from every iteration of the game console. At one point, she had every print edition of Nintendo Power magazine. Robin loved to laugh, often renting Gallagher and Billy Connolly standup VHS tapes from the video store. Additionally, Robin loved music. Meatloaf, Cat Stevens, Conway Twitty, classic rock, oldies, you name it, music was always wending its way through the house.

Christmases were of significant importance to Robin. She loved watching her kids open gifts and seeing their faces light up. During a few times of financial struggle, Robin turned to the Angel Tree to ask for gifts for the kids. She always left those gifts unwrapped under the tree so it was no mistake they didn't come from her. "You need to understand that these came from strangers who are thinking about you and cared enough about you to go shopping for you," she said. She greatly encouraged giving back whenever possible. 

As the years went on, Robin's health began to slip, but her mind, spunk and humor remained steadfast, along with her generous and loving heart. Robin truly loved life, and wasn't ready to go, but the family takes comfort in having spent some final moments conversing with her and sending her into the light with exchanges of "I love yous" and "goodbyes." She is no longer suffering, and that is a blessing no matter how sad.

Left in grief are Robin's children, Lisa Grouette, Mason City; Jessica Grouette Mason, Portland, Oregon; Travis Dunbar and his wife Heidi, Mason City; Erin Klotzbier, Osage, and her children Evan, Bailey and Arya; and Britani Evans, Osage, and her daughter Keyra. She will also be missed by her beloved grandchildren, Raeanna Mason, Aliza Estle, and Liam Dunbar, both of Mason City; and great-grandsons River and Journey Worley, Mason City; brother, Chris Jilek and his wife Deb, Mason City; sister, Pam Peterson and her husband Tom, Burchinal; nephews and nieces Chad Jilek, Lacey Jilek, Ryan Jilek and Ashley Olson and their respective families as well as a number of extended family members and old friends.

She joins in eternity her parents Joe and Bev Jilek, brother Dennis Jilek, an unborn child Zebulon Dunbar, and the adored pet cats she had over the years.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to the staff at Stacyville Nursing Home for the care, compassion, and friendship they gave to Robin during her short stay there. She was so fond of her caregivers. Thanks also to Major Erickson Funeral home for handling the arrangements on such short notice in such a compassionate manner.

Memorials may be directed to the family and will be used toward Robin's final expenses.