Jerome Ernest Hajek, at the age of 73, passed away August 28, 2024, at his home, in Marion, surrounded by his family. He gallantly battled cancer.
Jerome’s life began December 8, 1950. He was born in Marion, Kansas, the 7th child born to Albert and Mildred (Bina) Hajek. He was raised on the family farm near Lost Springs. He attended K - 8th grade at Lost Springs Elementary. He attended and graduated from Centre High School with the class of 1969. Immediately following graduation, he served his country in the United States Air Force National Guard until his honorable discharge in August 1975. He was united in marriage to Donna Kay Ewert on September 25, 1971, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen. They were blessed with two loving daughters, Kelli & Kimberly.
Before serving his country Jerome worked for Slusser’s Drilling. After his service he worked a while at Hesston Corporation. Then he and his brother, Gary, operatered Tampa Lumber Yard which was owned by him and all his brothers, until the late 1970’s. After they sold the lumberyard he worked for Ousler Brothers for a short time. He then would spend the next 33 years at Johns Manville Corporation, where he worked as a Servicer, he retired in 2014.
His loving family surviving him includes: his wife: Donna of Marion; his daughters: Kelli and husband Dennis Kerschen of Wichita, and Kimberly Helmer of Marion; his 5 grandchildren: Drew Helmer of Thornton, C0, Hunter Helmer of Overland Park, William Kerschen of Fort Liberty, NC, Matthew Kerschen of Wichita, and Ella Kerschen of Wichita; his sister: Irene (Eugene) Waylan of Miami, OK: his brothers: Paul, Ronnie (Leona), and Gary (Vickie) all of Lost Springs; also his loving brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother: Francis, sister-in-law RaeLene Hajek, and his brothers-in-law: Wayne Ewert and Max Ewert.
All services for Jerome will be held at the Marion Presbyterian Church, with the Visition to be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 6 - 8 pm; and the Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 10:00 am. Burial will be in the Marion Cemetery. Memorial Funds have been established for the Marion Presbyterian Church or for the St. Luke Hospital.
Online condolences may be left at www.jostfuneralhome.com.