IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
RaeLene Hajek
We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from RaeLene Hajek, Lost Springs, during her 72 years of life, among them that family is everything, to tell those around you that you love them every chance you get, hug and kiss goodbye, talk to Jesus every day, and if you have the opportunity to help someone or make their day better, do it.
RaeLene’s beautiful life began on Feb. 16, 1948, in Concordia. She was a daughter of Max and Nelda (Anderson) Begnoche. She was known to have her father’s quick wit and her mother’s kind and caring heart. She was a graduate of Miltonvale High School. After graduation, she attended cosmetology school.
She was united in marriage to her loving husband, Paul Hajek, on Nov. 13, 1971, in Miltonvale.
She worked as a beautician, and later as manager at Ag Ads in Lost Springs. She also kept the books for husband Paul’s trucking business — a job she said she was given but never really applied for.
She was a parishioner at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen and belonged to St. Anne’s Altar Society.
She loved watching her grandchildren’s sporting events and going to all their activities. They were the light of her world, and she was theirs. She also enjoyed the occasional outing with her husband to the casinos. Whenever her children couldn’t get a hold of her, they knew where she was.
Her loving family includes her husband, Paul, of Lost Springs; children Lynette (and husband Jon) McLean of Hutchinson, and Jason (and wife Carla) Hajek of Seneca; grandchildren Cade McLean, Maggie McLean, Cooper Hajek, Josie McLean, Carter Hajek, and Cormik Hajek; siblings Pam Buxman of Valley Center, Brad (and wife Denise) Begnoche of Wichita, and Kim (and husband Matt) Hesting of Glen Elder; and several nieces and nephews.
She loved her family with all her heart. She passed away on Dec. 29 at Ascension Via-Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Her family will gather with friends to celebrate her life from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church. Her Rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday led by Father Brian Bebak. She will be laid to rest in Pilsen Cemetery.
The family has asked that memorial contributions in her name be directed to the Father Kapaun Legacy Fund. They have requested that friends sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of RaeLene at https://www.ymzfh.com/obituary/RaeLene-Hajek
What a life well lived.