Obituary of Ian Robert Kilian

Ian was born on a frosty October morning. From his first days, he brought smiles to all who met him. Ian was a happy boy who loved books and music, Thomas the Tank Engine and Winnie the Pooh.  He loved to swing and play outside. He began reading at age four and always had excellent timing while playing music.  He could recite his “Olivia the Pig” Christmas story while playing the bongos.  As he grew older, he developed an incredible ear for music and could play a song on the piano after hearing it once.  Some of his favorite songs to play were “Trying To Pull Myself Away” from Once, “Before the Deluge” by Jackson Browne, and “Let It Be” by the Beatles. 

Being an only child, Ian loved spending time with extended family. Gathering for holidays and the annual fish fry at Grandpa and Grandma Jirak’s house were the highlights of his year. He loved when his cousins would come over to swim or play Wii, especially Just Dance. He was very fortunate to take trips to Costa Rica and Ireland with the entire Kilian family which created memories that he talked of often and remembered fondly.

A few years ago, he showed interest in playing guitar and began taking lessons at School of Rock in St. Paul.  The following year, he was performing in their group shows and his favorite performance was in the ABBA cover group.  As a big fan of ABBA, he took the acoustic guitar to New Prague where he played along with the “Mama Mia” sing along movie with his grandparents and cousins.  Ian had an eclectic musical ear, strumming along with rock classics, listening to Jazz88 at dinner, and classical as he fell asleep each night.

Ian loved baseball.  He participated in “Kids Opening Day” for the MN Twins for several years, where he was able to raise the team flag and sing with a group for the 7th inning stretch.  It was always important to stay at a game until the last out and he could tell you the length of the game.  Ian looked forward to summer vacations when he could visit baseball stadiums.  During three vacations, he was able visit 11 stadiums other than Target Field, as well as several spring training fields.  He hoped to take a west coast baseball stadium tour after he graduated next year.  Ian enjoyed watching all sports and he had many favorite teams. Events with clocks and scores were always good!

Ian enjoyed going to school and interacting with students and staff. Many people at CapitolView, now Quora Secondary School, were very special to Ian. The staff at St. Paul School of Rock were some of his favorite people and he was often ready to go to lessons or band practice an hour early because he loved playing music with his bandmates so much.

Ian Robert Kilian, 17, passed peacefully in his sleep on July 6, 2021.  Ian touched many lives with his smile and enthusiasm. He loved and was loved by many who knew him.  Ian is survived by parents Diane (Jirak) and Robert Kilian, grandparents, Clarence and Mary Jirak, John and Diane Kilian, uncles and aunts Bob and Joanne Jirak, Betty Jirak and John Mytty, Pat Jirak and Scott Orr, Connie Peterson and Brad Kline, Steve and Kathy Kilian, Beth and Giovanni Villalobos, cousins Jenny (Ryan and Elise) Keenan, Kim (Bob, George, and Henry) Ganzel, Dan (Laura and Paige) Jirak, James Kilian (Kaitlyn Marshall), Julie (Nathan and Leo) Theisen, Sam Peterson (Neena Demaio), Olivia and Elienor Mytty, Felicia, Evelyn, and Amalia Villalobos. 

We will miss Ian so terribly much.  Our hearts are broken.

Memorials directed to:

916 Educational Foundation

2540 East County Road F

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

952-448-3357

in care of Ian Kilian Music Program at Quora Secondary School

Autism Society of Minnesota - AUSM.org

Online in the comment or in the check memo note in honor of Ian Kilian. 

Donations will go to funding summer camp scholarships.

A Celebration of Life with a  Visitation will be held at 4PM and Service 5PM on July 25 at the Cremation Society of MN St. Paul,

1979 Old Hudson Road, St. Paul, MN 55119