Edward (Ed) Hejna, 92, passed away October 16th, 2009 in the Veterans Nursing Home in Mount Vernon, Missouri. He was born in Spillville, Iowa to Joseph and Mary Falada Hejna on May 17th, 1917.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mary, his wife Lucy and nine brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter Doris Trotter and son, Fr. Lewis Hejna, both of Springfield, Mo.; his granddaughter Bonnie Gibson, her husband Jeremy of Portland Oregon and grandson Bill Trotter, his wife Chrissy of Dallas, Texas; and two sisters Lilly of La Cross, Wisconsin and Mary of Elkland, Missouri. He will be remembered by a host of caring friends and loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who always enjoyed listening to his many stories.
Ed served in the Armed Forces in both England and France during WWII in the 156 th Infantry. He married Lucy Polodna on October 28th, 1947 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Karlin, Missouri. He was a farmer for many years in Polk County and after selling the farm he was a carpenter in the Bolivar area.
His greatest joy outside of his family was his garden. In retirement he spent much of his day outside growing vegetables and strawberries in his garden. He also loved fishing and reading western books.
Visitation will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bolivar from 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday October 21st with Parish Prayers at 7 pm. The funeral mass will be celebrated on October 22nd at 10:30 a.m. by his son, Fr. Lewis Hejna at Sacred Heart. Graveside services will be held at St Wenceslaus Cemetery immediately following mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Liturgical Fund or Sacred Heart Building Fund in lieu of flowers. Friends and family may sign a guest book or send private condolences at: www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitts Chapel of Greenlawn Funeral Homes Bolivar, MO.