Patricia Julia Okruhlik Hajek

Patricia Julia Okruhlik Hajek, 78, of Brenham, passed away Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.

Pat was born in Flatonia on Feb. 15, 1945 to George and Julia Okruhlik. Pat grew up in the small community of Praha, and graduated from Bishop Forest High School in Schulenburg in 1964. Praha was a special place to Pat throughout her life. Not only is this where her faith grew and her dedication to the Catholic church began, it was also where she met her future husband at the Praha Picnic. On Oct. 23, 1965, she married Clarence Hajek at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Praha. Together they shared 26 wonderful years before he passed away in 1991. During their life together, Clarence and Pat were blessed with two loving children, Robert Hajek and Jeff Hajek.

Pat was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, daughter and Mimi. To Pat, family was the most important. No matter what was going on in her life, she was always there for those she loved. She was a caring grandma who was devoted to her two granddaughters, and she cherished the title Mimi. This title of Mimi also spilled over in the community as Mimi Pat. For close to 40 years, she ran a successful licensed daycare from her home. Throughout her career, she welcomed many families into her home and felt that each child in her care was a part of her family.

When Pat wasn’t running her daycare, she was busy following her personal joys. She loved going on trips with friends, especially those that took her to Branson, Missouri to listen to classic country artists. Her love of music also included going to the Bluebonnet Opry. If the show was in town, or close by, she would be there. She loved to visit with people and never met a stranger. This led to another love – Whataburger Wednesdays. You could find Pat and her friends sitting, laughing and sharing stories weekly at the local Whataburger.

Pat is survived by her sister, Geralyn Klimitchek and husband Charles; son, Robert Hajek, wife Tammy and granddaughter Kourtney Little and husband Tanner; son, Jeff Hajek, wife Kelly and granddaughter Brittney; special friend Harris Walenta; and many other family members.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, parents George and Julia Okruhlik, step-father Anton Okruhlik, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charlie and Cecelia Hajek.

Visitation was Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 beginning at 6 p.m., with the rosary following at 7 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel of Brenham. A service celebrating Pat’s life was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Brenham on Friday, Feb.16, 2024, at 10a.m. and interment following at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery of Praha at 2:30 p.m. Serving as pallbearers were Donald Hajek, Dwayne Hajek, Brian Hajek, Tanner Little, Mike Reed and Kenneth Lange. Honorary pallbearers were all former children she cared for in her daycare throughout the years.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Pat’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Brenham or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.ALZ.org/donate.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main St., Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www. memorialoakschapel.com.