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Shiner Gazette 30 Jan 1964 Funeral services for Ernest Joe Hajek, prominent business and civic leader, were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 26, 1964, from the Shiner Methodist Church. He died at his home Friday morning, January 24, at 8:30 o'clock, after a long, courageous fight agains his fatal illness. He attained the age of 70 years, seven months and 10 days. Mrs. Wm. Wendtland, organist, played a prelude of familiar and favorite hymns. His pastor, the Rev. Albert R. Peterson, conducted an impressive service, paying tribute to Mr. Hajek's many Christian virtues, particularly his patience in bearing the cross of his physical suffering. The church was filled to capacity with sorrowing friends and relatives whose presence testified to the truth of his pastor's words. Pallbearers were Johnnie F. Hajek, Marvin Null, Gus Wolters, Thomas Hughs, Wilbur Minear, all of Shiner, Edward Bohuslav of Boling, Lewis Nix of Schulenburg, and Victor Post of Victoria. Interment was in the Shiner City Cemetery under the direction of Buffington Funeral Home where the body reposed in state prior to the services. The Color Guard of Kolar-Stanek Post 201 of the American Legion was present at the church and cemetery and imcluded Adolph Pesek, Joe Hartl, Frank A. Dolezal and Anton Hajek. Curt Messer, Chaplain, presented the American Flag, which draped the casket, to Mrs. Hajek at the close of the service. The flag was folded by Eddie Jaks. Mr. Hajek was active in church, business, and civic affairs. He served as a Steward on the Official Board of the Methodist Church, which he joined in 1941. He held membership in the Chamber of Commerce and Business Men's Club, of which he had served as vice-president. He was a member of the Kolar-Stanek Post of the American Legion and participated in all its activities. He was also a member of Hermann Sons and S.P.J.S.T. Always interested in the betterment of his community and its products, he chose as one of his main interests, the improvement of the quality of the heads of cattle in this area. Born in Flatonia, Texas, on June 14, 1893, Ernest Hajek was the son of John and Mary (Ficl) Hajek, natives of Praha and Czechoslovakia respectively. He was educated in the school there until 1908, when the family moved near Shiner, where his education continued. Mr. Hajek joined the army in September 1917, and was stationed at Camp Travis in San Antonio, until he went overseas in July 1918. He was a member of the 90th Division, 334 Field Artillery. He saw action in France, Germany and Belgium. After the Armistice he served in the Army of Occupation in Germany until May 1919. After his discharge from the army, beginning November 1, 1920, he operated a meat market with his brother Emil, until the partnership was dissolved in 1937. Then Ernest Hajek established Hajek Market, which he owned and operated until September 1963, when ill health forced his retirement, and the business was sold. On April 14, 1926, he was married to Millie Pustejovsky, who survives him along with one daughter, Mrs. J. Jack (Madlyn) Cloutier; a son-in-law, J. Jack Cloutier; and three grandchildren, Madison, Jacquelyn and Mona Cloutier. Surviving sisters and brother are: Mrs. Frank (Emma) Pechacek, Flatonia; Mrs. Adolf (Mary) Bohuslav, Hallettsville; Mrs. Oscar (Agnes) Manning, Houston; Mrs. Julius (Valasta) Kutach, Hallettsville; and Ed. Hajek. Shiner. His parents and one brother, Emil, pre-deceased him. His father died on June 6, 1967; his mother on March 21, 1955; and brother on May 4, 1953. Of a genial and friendly disposition, Mr. Hajek made many lifelong friends. He was devoted to his family; his constant thought was of their welfare and happiness. He counted himself doubly blessed, and often expressed his appreciation of the gratitude for his devoted wife and daughter and her family. All who knew and worked with him have a heartfelt appreciation of his unselfish, generous service to his fellowman. With his passing our community has lost a member who contributed much to its growth and development. Myriads of beautiful flowers testified to the sincere regard in which he was
held and bespoke fragrant messages of sympathy to those who cherished his
memory, to all of whom the Gazette extends tender and abiding sympathy. Posted by Matt Cross
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