The memorial service for John R. Hayek will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 27,

at Salem Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Jay Dahlvang will officiate. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Salem Lutheran Church, and one hour before the service at the church. Bonnerup Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea Veterans’ Organization.

John died on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004, at St. John’s Lutheran Home. He was 81 years old.

John was born Dec. 19, 1923, at Naeve Hospital, Albert Lea, the son of Edgar L. and Lillian (Hermann) Hayek. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1941. In June, 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as quartermaster primarily in the

Pacific Fleet. While in the Navy, he attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul. He was discharged in 1947 at Great Lake Naval Base.

He married Patricia J. Kelly on Oct. 9, 1946. Together, they raised two children, Jane and Greg, residing at 1215 Cedar Ave., Albert Lea, for 50 years and at 1220 Cedar Ave., since 1998.

John was a lifetime member of Salem English Lutheran Church and served on many committees and had been church council president. A favorite activity was the men’s Bible study.

John was president and owner of Trades Publishing Company and Trades Office Products. He was the publisher of The Northwestern Jeweler Magazine founded by his father. John was honored by the Minnesota Retail Jeweler’s Association in 1987 for his dedication and service.

John had been a member of Albert Lea Rotary Club for 57 years and was a Paul Harris Fellow. Supporting the Freeborn County Red Cross, he gave over 18 gallons of blood. He served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, was a member of the American Legion and VFW, and a life member of the Elks. Volunteering for his community, he delivered Meals on Wheels and provided rides for Ride Services taking many people to surrounding hospitals.

We knew John as a gentleman, generous, and honest man who loved his church, family and community greatly. He was an avid golfer, skier, and animal lover. He was an aficionado of Southwest Native American and Hispanic culture.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Bernice and Warner Tidemann; father-in-law, Len Kelly; and his beloved Schnauzers, Salty and Salty II.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat of Albert Lea; his son, Greg (Rita) Hayek of Fergus Falls; his daughter, Jane Hayek of Bloomington, Minn.; and four grandchildren: Anna and Seth Hayek and Karin and Erich Engen. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Gertrude Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, please give memorials to Salem Lutheran Church or the United Way.