Gary R. Hejlik, 79, of Britt passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021 at his home
in rural Britt surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Gary Hejlik will be held on Thursday, December 2,
2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 2343 Navy Avenue in Duncan
with Father Andrew Marr officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Catholic
Cemetery in Duncan.
Due to the current environment surrounding Covid and the fact that there will be
family members traveling from various places, there will be masks and sanitizer
available. The service will be livestreamed for those wishing to participate
virtually.
CLICK HERE to join live Zoom broadcast of Gary's service
[https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81531318606?pwd=L2Q5WXQyWkp2emRUV1JFOFVNMUpWdz09]
Visitation for Gary Hejlik will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday,
December 1, 2021 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan with an FCSLA
Catholic Workman Rosary beginning at 3:30 PM and a Scriptural Wake Service
beginning at 7:00 PM.
Gary Ralph Hejlik, the son of Ralph and Vlasta (Flossie) Hejlik, was born
January 5, 1942 in Garner, IA. He attended the #8 Garfield Township one room
school house through 8th grade and graduated from Garner High School in 1959.
After high school he served his country in the Army Reserve for 8 years as well
as a leader of the Garfield Sluggers 4-H Club. On December 30, 1963 he was
united in marriage to Marcella (Sally) Dornbier at the Saint Joseph Catholic
Church in Wesley, IA. They resided south of Britt where they farmed and raised
their family. Gary's farming endeavors of milking cows, raising pigs & beef
cattle, growing corn & soybeans also included helping his cousins harvest their
wheat in Montana. Along with farming Gary was part owner of Duncan Farm
Service, a Farm Bureau crop adjuster, and member of the National Farm
Organization (NFO). Gary was a member of the Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church
in Duncan, IA. He was very active in serving his community with leadership
roles including president of many boards: St. Wenceslaus Church Board, St. John
cemetery board, FCSLA (Catholic Workman) for both Local Branch 51 and Iowa
district, West Hancock school boards, and Britt Rotary Club. Gary enjoyed
spending time with friends and family playing cards, watching sporting events,
taking trips including skiing and fishing, spending winters in Texas, and could
solve almost any math problem in his head.
Gary is survived by his wife Sally and 5 children: Cindy (Ron) Utley of Ankeny,
IA; Lori (Kent) Harris of Waseca, MN; Don (Sarah) Hejlik of Britt, IA; Michelle
(Joel) Gjerde of Ankeny, IA; and Mark (Dena) Hejlik of Britt, IA. 18
Grandchildren: Samantha Utley, Kristen (Alex) Hewitt, Jonathan Utley; Mitchell
(Tessa) DeKruif, Keari Harris, Konnor (Ryan) Calmeyn, Marcus DeKruif, Klaire
Harris, Mason DeKruif; Alysa Hejlik, Jacob (Kalie) Hejlik, Rachel Hejlik, Joshua
Hejlik; Jessica (Caleb) Larson, Morgan (Josh) Bogle; Hannah Hejlik, Emma
Hejlik, & Rebecca Hejlik. And 7 great grandchildren - Amelia, Jaya, Zani'yah,
Zari'elle, Kelvin Jr, Hadley, & Jordan. Siblings: Kenny (Char) Hejlik, Audra
McEnany, Retired Lieutenant General Dennis (Sandy) Hejlik, Larry Hejlik, Mary
Best, sister-in-law Carolyn Hejlik, Bob Hejlik, and Greg (Mary) Hejlik. As well
as numerous nieces, nephews and members of the Dornbier family.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Kyle Hejlik, brother Ralph
Hejlik Jr, & brothers-in-law Larry Best & Jim McEnany.
The family welcomes donations to your local church or food bank in Gary's name
honoring his values of faith, family and farming.