Ronald Robert Hajek

Ronald Robert Hajek, 91, passed away surrounded by family on May 8, 2023, after a fall. Ron was born in Chicago, IL on February 16, 1932, to John and Irene (Chilik) Hajek. After high school graduation from Carter Henry Harrison Technical High School in Chicago, and a short stint with the New York Yankees, Fond du Lac affiliate, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served from 1952-1956 and was stationed in San Francisco and Hawaii. Before returning home from the Navy, Ron was offered a position at Western-Knapp Engineering (a mining company) in Chicago as an equipment purchasing agent. He was tasked to purchase equipment for White Pine Mine – White Pine Upper Peninsula, MI. Taking numerous visits to the mining site, a young staff administrator caught his eye in the mine office. The White Pine staff was invited to make the long train ride from the UP to a company-sponsored weekend outing at the Mount Prospect Golf Club in Mount Prospect, IL. This has been said to be Ron’s “first formal date” with Marlene Ann Seeling. The couple married soon after. They purchased one of the 1st subdivision homes in Arlington Heights, IL. Ron soon met a small group of young, like-minded colleagues and started a business designing material handling equipment systems for Chicago-area food and chemical manufacturers. He continued running his small firm until his retirement in 2002. 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. Ron was an avid golfer and talked about looking forward to getting out with the guys for the 2023 golf league season. He had an encyclopedic memory, ranging from knowing every actor in black and white movies, to recalling every PGA golfer on the tour since as long as he could remember. Ron’s greatest pride and accomplishments were his family and his relationship with Marlene. He retained their home up until the end, taking round-the-clock care of Marlene as she continues her journey with dementia. His devotion to keeping quality of life for her was present in his last verbal thoughts. Ron is survived by Marlene Hajek, their children Thomas of Arlington Heights, IL, Jean of Rockford, MI, Bill (Ellen) of Arlington Heights IL, Bob (Kathleen) of Chapel Hill, NC. Grandchildren- Mark, Lauren, Andrew, Caroline, Abigail and Sophie. Great Grandchildren Adrianna, Jackson and Jolie. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Hajek. Visitation will be on May 12, 2023, from 3:00pm till 6:00pm at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance NW Walker MI 49534. Viewing at the Church will be held at 10:00 am May 13, Funeral Mass at 11:00am followed by luncheon, held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 2510 Richmond St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 at 11:00am on May 13, 2023. Interment will be private.

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Ronald Robert Hajek

February 16, 1932 - May 8, 2023