Kenneth “Kenny” Hejlik, 79, of Altoona, formerly of Britt, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023, at Mill Pond Care Center in Ankeny surrounded by his family.
July 19, 1943 — March 27, 2023
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 31, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Britt with Rev. Robert Dodge officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 30th at Cataldo Funeral Home, 178 First Ave. S.W., Britt and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Memorials may be directed to the Britt United Methodist Church, St. Croix Hospice or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Kenneth Vincent Hejlik, the son of Ralph and Vlasta (Psotka) Hejlik, was born July 19, 1943 on the Hejlik farm west of Garner. He was the second oldest of 9, including six brothers and two sisters. Kenny attended country school in Garfield Township and graduated from Garner-Hayfield High School. Upon graduation, he farmed south of Duncan. On April 15, 1978 he was united in marriage to Charlotte Mozack. They lived in Britt where they raised their family. Kenny owned the Half-Way Steakhouse in Duncan which sponsored the “highly successful” softball team Big Blue which included several of his brothers and best friends. The grass never grew under Kenny’s feet; he farmed, worked at Farm Bureau, was a cemetery sexton and was always willing to say yes to any job that presented itself. He instilled hard work into his kid’s and never expected them to do a job he wouldn’t do himself. Farm Bureau was a huge part of Kenny’s life, starting from being a crop insurance adjustor to being the first Crop Insurance Supervisor hired to that position without a college degree. He enjoyed following his kid’s school activities, watching “Seinfeld” with his sons, had a love of cars and never turned down a sweet dessert. Kenny and Char wintered in Rio Grande Valley for 15 years with many family members. Kenny never quit trying to stay ahead of his Parkinson’s diagnosis by always staying active.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt and Methodist Men’s ministry.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Charlotte of Altoona; six children, Tom (Sue) Hejlik, Barbara Bohman, Kevin Hejlik, Brian Hejlik, Andy (Tami) Hejlik and Chris (Ashley) Hejlik; grandchildren, Stephanie Hejlik, Brandon Bohman, Tucker and Addelynn Hejlik, Taylor and Landon Hejlik and Natalie and Caden Hejlik; great grandchildren, Gabriella, Maddelyn and Collin; two sisters, Audra McEnany and Mary Best; brothers, retired USMC Lieutenant General Denny (Sandy) Hejlik, Larry Hejlik, Bob Hejlik and Greg (Mary) Hejlik; sisters-in-law, Sally Hejlik and Carolyn Hejlik; brothers-in law, Larry (Joann) Mozack and Randy Mozack; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gary and Ralph Hejlik, Jr.; and brothers-in-law, Jim McEnany and Larry Best.
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