Kenneth Raymond Hejna

TABOR, S.D.— Kenneth Raymond Hejna, 83, Tabor, S.D., died Sept. 29, 2021, at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton, after fighting a courageous battle with Parkinson’s.

Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 5 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor, with Rev. Mark Lichter officiating.

Burial was in the St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Tabor, with military honors performed by the Kortan-Hatwan American Legion Post No. 183 and S.D. Army National Guard Funeral Honors. Visitation and a vigil service were Oct. 4 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

Pallbearers were John Slama, Ron Hejna, Paul Adam, Paul Hejna, Christopher Thoene and Andy Hejna. Honorary pallbearers were the Avera Sister James Caregivers.

Honorary pallbearers were the Avera Sister James Caregivers.

Kenneth was born Oct. 3, 1937, in Tabor, to Emil and Helen (Kralicek) Hejna. He grew up on a farm southeast of Tabor. He was a lifetime member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Tabor. He attended Peterka District No.46 School and graduated eighth grade from St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. In 1955, Kenneth graduated from Tabor High School. He married Agnes Adam June 18, 1960, in Tabor, and they were blessed with two children, Mark and Mary Jane. Kenneth joined the National Guard and was then called up to serve in the United States Army. After his honorable discharge, he continued farming with his dad and two brothers until 1986, when he and his son, Mark, purchased Agnes’ family farm. He farmed his whole life until his health forced him to retire in August 2018, when he became a resident of Avera Sister James Care Center.

Kenneth loved working in his garden and sharing his produce with his family, friends and neighbors. He always grew the best tomatoes and watermelons.

Kenneth enjoyed hunting in his younger years. He had a great love of the land and enjoyed being a Case IH man. He loved to attend auction sales. In his later years, Kenneth enjoyed driving around the farm on his golf cart checking out his crops, usually with his beloved dog, Daisy, at his side. He loved polka music and was proud of his Czech Heritage. Kenneth had a unique sense of humor and always enjoyed teasing his grandsons.

Kenneth is survived by two children, Mark (Renee) Hejna, Tabor, S.D., and Mary Jane (Danny) Schaefer, Fordyce; four grandsons, Jeremy (Anna) Hejna, Tabor, S.D.; Jordan “JJ” (Rachel) Hejna, S.D.; Matthew Schaefer, Brookings, S.D.; and Mason Schaefer, Fordyce; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Slama, Tabor; two brothers, Larry Hejna, Las Vegas, Nev., and Robert (Kathy) Hejna, Tabor, S.D.; four sisters-in-law, Marilyn Hejna, Utica, S.D.; Ann (Darrell) Beran, Tabor, S.D.; Mary (Ken) Thoene, Fordyce; Martha (Steve) Nordby, Coleridge; brother-in-law, George (Connie) Adam, Yankton, S.D.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Agnes, February 21, 2020; and four brothers, Emil (Lila), Steve (Donna), Lloyd and Clarence Hejna; and brother-in-law, Laddie Slama.