John P. Hajek

John Phillip Hajek, the youngest son of Joseph and Anna (Masek) Hajek was born Oct. 2, 1916. He attended Banner School, District 112. He graduated from Odell High School in 1933.

He entered the service of his country in the Army on Jan. 24, 1942. He received his basic training at Fort Riley, Kan., attending the motor mechanics school. Later he was an instructor. He was transferred to the 16th Armored Division and sent overseas to Germany and later placed in the Army of Occupation in Czechoslovakia.

It was during this time, now over 70 years ago, that the city of Pilsen in Czechoslovakia was liberated by General George Patton’s 3rd Army. A monument in this Czech Republic city reflects the remembrance of America’s sacrifice in World War II. We are told that the American soldiers are ‘rock stars’ to the children and their parents in the Czech Republic, because of this historical fact, which they celebrate each May. Czechs are teaching their children about the sacrifice of the American soldier for their freedom. John was one of these soldiers. He was discharged on Feb. 12, 1946, having a rank of corporal.

Returning to the United States of America and home, he rejoined the family in their farming operations, and later, joined the HB Polled Hereford partnership with his brothers, William and Charles. Their farm was originally acquired by the family in 1877. It was purchased from the United States government when the Otoe Missouri Reservation was opened up for sale at $3.50 an acre. It was on this farm that John and his family lived.

After his brothers died, John continued the Hajek Brother’s (HB Ranch) Polled Hereford business. On March 16, 1996, John sold his entire herd of cattle at the Marysville Sale Barn. The herd was founded in 1937, and was one of the oldest polled hereford operations in the United States. John continued to live on the old home place, in a new home, close to Odell.

John married Marie Moslander of Beatrice on June 12, 1999. He was welcomed by her family of four sons, Bill, Steve, Dan, and Brad, and their families. John and Marie made their home in Beatrice until Marie’s death in 2012.

John was one of the many World War II veterans who were able to make an Honor’s Flight to Washington, DC, where he was able to visit the World War II Memorial. The trip was preceded by a banquet in Omaha and a visit with the governor of Nebraska.

John celebrated his 99th birthday on Oct. 2, 2015 at the Homestead House in Beatrice, where he lived until he went to his eternal reward on June 4, 2016.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Raymond Hajek, Dorothy Grell, Adelaide Hruska, Theresa Wissenburg, Mary Ann Wolcott, Francis Hajek, Annamae Soucie, Rita Leonard, Betty Sieck, Albert Hajek, Jr., Eugene Hajek, & Paul Hajek among many other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph A. and Anna (Masek) Hajek; brothers, Alois, Stephen, Frank, Joseph, Milton, Charles and Albert; and sister Mary Sudrla.

John was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Odell.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 5-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 1-9 p.m. at Vance-Gerdes Funeral Home in Odell. Rosary will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated by Father Ferdinand Boehme and Father Loras Grell on Thursday, June 9 at 10:30 a.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Odell.

Pall bearers will be Mark Grell, Jesse Hajek, Raymond Hajek, Val J. Hruska, John Masek, and Bill Moslander.

Music will be provided by Darla Sullivan and Laurie Hajek-Jones.

The American Legion #123 of Odell will conduct the military services at the Odell Czech Cemetery, where John will be buried.

Memorials have been established to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Odell.