Gary R. Hejlik

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

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.