Ben Hajek

Bernard Ben Franklin Hajek, 77, passed away Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006 at home. Cremation is planned and only Veterans Memorial Honor Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, in front of his home at 4006 Harrison, Wellington, Colo., with military Honors, American Legion George Beach Post #4, Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard. Ben has been a resident of Wellington since June 7, 1990. He was born in Sidney, Neb. on Aug. 11, 1929 to John Frank Hajek and Gertrude Theresa Lenzen Hajek. His dad, John, was born in Jaromec, Bohemia, and his mother, Gertrude was born in Sidney, Neb. They were the parents of Joseph Peter, Robert James, Josephine Gertrude, John Jerome Jr., Bernard Ben Franklin, and Donald Eugene. Following high school at the St. Patrick School in Sidney, Neb., he joined the Navy and served as Helmsman. He was Gunners Mate on the USS George Destroyer Escort 697. Battle Station was Captain of Hedgehog. He was so proud of this honor of serving in the Navy for the USA from 1948-1952. Following his times in the Navy, he worked for 7-Up and Kitty Clover Potato Chip Company. He moved to Canton, Minn. and ran a service station for Amoco Oil Standard Oil. He was transferred by Amoco Oil to Fort Collins in March, 1977. He was with Amoco Oil for 25 years. Ben was honorably discharged in October 1952 from the Navy. He married Beverly Jean Maddox on Sept. 2, 1950. She was the mother of his children Danny and Terri. He married his second spouse, Thelma Herrington, on July 15, 1967.And Ben married Mildred Millie Jolly on Feb. 14, 1992. Ben enjoyed life, especially his family, friends, and the love of his life, Millie. Anything of nature was precious to Ben. He was especially fond of beautiful sunrises and sunsets. He enjoyed his home and was so proud of his yard and flowers. He was complimented daily by neighbors and friends. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude; his oldest brother, Joseph and wife Delores; brother, John Jr.; his first wife, Jean; and second wife Thelma. Sadly he is leaving behind his two children, Danny and Terri Hajek mother, Jean, deceased; four step children, mother, Thelma, deceased; Mildred Millie and three step children, Lonnie Jolly of Sadieville, Ky., Connie Jolly Perham of Colorado Springs, and Bonnie Jolly of Ohio; sister-in-law, Lawanna Hajek of Sidney, Neb.; brother Bob and wife Lorraine of Wycoff, Minn.; sister Josephine and husband Tom of Overgaard, Ariz.; brother, Donald and wife Wanda of Grant, Neb., numerous nieces andnephews and many friends. Darling Ben, you are missed deeply, but we know you are needed in Heaven. Keep them laughing!! Bohlender Funeral Chapel handling arrangements, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524.