Marlene Ann Hajek (nee Seeling)

Marlene Ann Hajek (nee Seeling) passed away peacefully on December 16, 2023. She was 89 years old. Marlene was born in Rockland, MI on September 25, 1934, to Mitchell Seeling and Gertrude Seeling (nee Schmaus). She grew up in Rockland and graduated from Roger Clark High School. After finishing high school, Marlene relocated to her aunt’s home in Skokie, IL and worked as a secretary. She met Ron Hajek and they were married on July 6, 1957. Marlene was a homemaker for many years. The family lived for a majority of their time in Arlington Heights, IL, although they moved around the country during the 1960s. In 1972, Marlene began her career at the Mount Prospect Fire Department where she was employed as the Fire Chief’s administrative assistant. During that time, she was one of the founding members of the Illinois Fire Chief Secretaries Association (IFCSA). This group made an impact by helping to standardize and coordinate procedures for fire departments in the area. After retirement from the fire department, Ron and Marlene were “snow birds” for many years in the Bradenton, Florida area. They retired to Grand Rapids in 2004. Both were active at St Anthony of Padua Church. Marlene was a charter member of the sewing group which made hats for newborns, quilts and baptismal gowns. Family and friends were lucky to receive the benefits of her creative talents as she shared treasures such as homemade blankets, quilts, ornaments and 4th of July outfits. Above all, Marlene committed herself to family. She was a loving mother of children Thomas Hajek of Arlington Heights, IL, Jean Hajek of Rockford, MI, Bill Hajek (Ellen) of Arlington Heights IL, Bob Hajek (Kathleen) of Chapel Hill, NC. She was the cherished grandmother of Mark Breymeyer, Lauren Coolbaugh (Nate), Andrew and Caroline Hajek, Abigail and Sophie Hajek; and great grandmother of Adrianna, Jackson and Jolie Coolbaugh. She was the beloved sister of Mary Thompson (Tony, Jim) and Bernadette Davis (Dennis). She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother James Seeling (Laura), her twin brother Mike Seeling (Joanne), Tony Thompson and Jim Brown. Visitation will be held on December 22, 2023. Services will be held on December 22, 2023 at St Anthony of Padua Church, 2510 Richmond St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Viewing will be held from 10:00-11:00 am. Funeral Mass at 11:00am followed by luncheon. Interment will be private.

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Marlene Ann Hajek (nee Seeling)

September 25, 1934 - December 16, 2023