Frank J. Hejna, Jr.

Frank J. Hejna, Jr., 76, of Barnett, Mo., formerly of Ventura, but had been living with his daughter in Hickman, Neb., peacefully joined our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 at Homestead Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln, Neb.

  Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, Iowa, with Fr. Dennis Miller officiating.   Music was provided by organist, Mary Kopacek, who accompanied cantor, Louise Zrostlik.  Casket bearers 

were Alan Hejna, Mike Hejna, Scott Hejna, Eric Hejna, Chad Hejna, Joe Hejna, Bob Hejna and Dan Burger.   Burial was at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Duncan with military rites by the Garner Veterans Ceremonial Unit.  

  Frank was born in Mason City to Frank and Agnes (Korn) Hejna on June 6, 1937. He was baptized on June 20, 1937 and confirmed in 1948 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church at Duncan. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1955.  After high school, Frank served in the United States Marine Corps from 1955-1961. While living in Leigh, Neb., he owned Frank’s Auto and was an active member of the community, including serving on the Leigh Fire and Rescue squad.  After a back injury left him unable to work on vehicles, he attended college in Curtis, Neb., earning a degree in 1979 in Natural Resources and Conservation. This gave him the opportunity to combine his love of the outdoors and a long career of surveying and conservation. He worked for the NRD of York, Neb., from 1979-1987, and was a volunteer firefighter.  From there he worked as a contract supervisor for the Missouri Conservation Department until retirement in 2010.

  Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eldon, Mo.  He enjoyed polka music, fishing, working on tractors, restoring classic automobiles, and socializing.

  Frank is survived by his wife, Jean, of Lincoln; children, Frank III, of Hump Tulips, Wash., Preston, of Hoquiam, Wash., Shelli Ziemke, and husband, Mike, of Hickman, Sherri Leyva, and husband, Gilbert, of Las Vegas, Nev., and Sunni Harper, and husband, Colby, of Hickman; grandchildren, Tori and Sydni Ziemke, Evan, Emma, Sammy, and Charley Leyva, Delaini and Presli Harper; as well as, three adored brothers, Jerry (JoAnn) Hejna, of Ventura, Ron (Rose) Hejna, of Garner, Iowa, and Ed (Connie) Hejna, of Floyd, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Joseph; and sons, Vincent and Shawn Hejna. 

Cataldo Funeral Home, Garner, was in charge of arrangements.