Hajek, Vernon Ray

On Jan. 24, 2013, Vernon Ray Hajek, 82, of Mount Vernon, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away at his winter home in Surprise, Ariz., after a brief illness.

He served in the Navy from 1948 to 1950. Vernon was a graduate of Kirkwood Community College. He was employed by the Cedar Rapids Post Office for 34 years, working his way up from a postal clerk to Director of Human Resources and Compliance Officer.

Vernon is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth; and his children, Thomas Hajek (Deborah), Phoenix, Ariz., David Hajek (Bobbi), Cedar Rapids, Jon Hajek (Mary), Cedar Rapids, Alan Hajek (Bobette), Chandler, Ariz., Holly Netolicky, Scottsdale, Ariz., Diane Vrbicek (Robb), Jonesboro, Ark., and Matthew Hajek, Cedar Rapids. He has 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert andMarion Hajek; mother-in-law, Imelda Cowen; father-in-law, Clarence Cormier; his brother, Everett Hajek; and his daughter, Susie Hajek.

Private services will be conducted at National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Camp Courageous in Monticello or the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

“Grandpa Hajek”

(as seen through the eyes of his then 10-year-old grandchild, Benjamin)

“There on the back of my grandpa's house was a brand new porch built by a man that has done lots of things to improve his house. This craftsman is my Grandpa Hajek. Vernon Hajek is 63 years old. Grandpa is an incredible handyman. He is always adding or fixing something on his newly built home.

When I see him, he is always relaxed and kind of on the quiet side. He jogs three to four times a week, lifts weights, and does sit-ups. He is a very fit man! He dresses very casually, usually wearing jeans and a T-shirt.

My Grandpa Hajek was born in 1930. He was born and raised in Iowa, and has lived there all his life. He married Elizabeth Cormier, and has been married to her for over 40 years. Together they raised eight children, including my mom.

Grandpa worked for the Post Office for over 30 years. When he does have spare time, you'll find him working on something. He has made a porch for his house, finished his basement, and put a fireplace in his home. The times I have been around my grandpa he seems to not be overly talkative, or not always yapping endlessly about whatever is on his mind. He always seems to be very easy-going and relaxed.

All in all I think it would be very hard for someone not to get along with my grandpa. He is a real handyman, fit, and a very nice person to be around!”

- Pastor Benjamin Vrbicek,

now age 31 years old

Published Jan. 27, 2013 in The Gazette