William B. Kajer, 91
William B. Kajer, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center. Bill was born on May 31, 1930 in New Prague to George and Margaret (Savage) Kajer. A lifelong resident of New Prague, Bill graduated from New Prague High School. He met the woman who would become his wife, Joyce Marie Kocks, while still in high school. The couple would marry on July 17, 1954 in New Prague, when Bill was home on leave from the US Army while serving in Korea. He worked as a bookkeeper for Kratochvil Construction for 44 years.
Bill was a member of the New Prague Fire Department for 32 years and served as chief for 8 of those. He was also a member of the VFW, served as City Treasurer for a number of years, was on the New Prague Golf Course Board, and was a member of the NPHS football team’s chain gang for 25 years. A man of deep faith, Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus and an active member of St. Wenceslaus Church serving as an usher for 50 years, greeting people with a smile and a kind word. A lasting memory was a personal encounter with the Holy Father on a trip to Rome. He was an avid golfer and a proud member of the “Hole-in-One-Club”. Bill was also a loyal Minnesota Twins fan and attended games as recently as a few years ago. When baseball season concluded, he never missed a televised Minnesota Timberwolves game. Finally, he rounded out his sports enthusiasm by listening intently to his favorite announcer, Sid Hartman, on a Sunday morning radio talk show.
Bill found peace and tranquility on any lake fishing, but especially cherished the trips to Lake Sasiginigak in Manitoba. His favorite haunt since the 1960’s was the Pioneer Saloon, a faithful visitor at least three times a week with his friends for a good game of Euchre and a lot of dice! Bill was a great ambassador for New Prague, serving as Grand Marshall for the Dozinky Parade along with Joyce in 2015. His easy nature and friendly smile will be missed by his family and friends at Praha Village.
Bill is survived by his sons, Scott (Marianne Wheelock) Kajer of St. Paul and Kevin (Andrea) Kajer of Edina; grandchildren, Ben (Caitlin) Kajer, Hannah Kajer, Matthew (Moira) Kajer, Margaret Kajer (Brett Rousseau), Nick Kajer, Frank Kajer; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie & Charlotte. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce on July 5, 2018; his parents; sisters, Bernice Hruby and Virginia Brown; brother, Ronald.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father George Grafsky officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 5-7 PM and Thursday morning from 7:30 – 9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard. Lunch will follow burial at the New Prague Golf Club. If inclined, memorials are preferred to St. Wenceslaus School.
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