MAE DENE ZAJICEK
Mae Dene Chollett Zajicek, 82, of Columbus, entered into Eternal Rest on Sept. 15.
Mae Dene was born Feb. 5, 1939, to Alfred and Mabel (Hillmer) Chollett in Shaws Bend. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1957 and went to work at Columbus State Bank.
On Apr. 5, 1959, Mae Dene married Robert A. “Bobby” Zajicek at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus, where she was a lifelong member. In 1960, the couple moved to San Marcos for Bobby to attend college. While living in San Marcos, they welcomed their son, Robert Neal, in 1962. In the fall of that year, the family moved to Bryan College Station for Bobby to attend Texas A & M. Mae Dene loved living in the Army barracks apartments there and made many lifelong friends. She even received a PHT degree (Pushed Hubby Through) from Texas A&M.
When Bobby graduated in 1965, they moved back to Columbus. Their daughter, Melinda Anne, was born in July 1969. In 1976, Bobby and Mae Dene started Zajicek Engineering and Surveying, where they both worked until they retired in 2017.
Mae Dene enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She loved to go fishing, camping, and always looked forward to visiting various casinos.
Mae Dene is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bobby Zajicek; son Robert Neal Zajicek and wife Kelly of Shaws Bend; daughter Melinda Anne Zajicek of La Grange; one brother Al Gene Chollett and wife Deanie of Shaws Bend; grandchildren Cole Zajicek and wife Kristin of Shaws Bend, Cassidy Parks and husband Cody of Bellville, and Nate Schielack of La Grange; great-grandchildren Michelle, Faith, Tucker, and Kason; nephews David Chollett of Pearland, Gene Wayne Chollett and John Olguin of Philadelphia, PA, Bennie Zajicek and wife, Sylvia of Columbus, David Zajicek, Jr. and wife Tawanna of Columbus; niece Shara Gallmann and husband Tommy of Dallas; great-nephews Garrett Chollett, David Wayne, Dylan and Mason Zajicek; great-nieces Sydnee Chollett, Maddie Zajicek, Lindsey Siptak and husband Colby, Lauren Muckleroy and husband James; great-great-nephew Dusty Siptak; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Mae Dene was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Mabel Chollett; father and mother-in-law Adolph and Florence Zajicek; and brother-in-law David Zajicek, Sr.
A Celebration of Life was Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus, with Pastor Alan Kethan officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Honorary pallbearers are James Bolten, Garrett Chollett, J.R. Koehl, Smokey Leyendecker, James Luedecke, Cassidy Parks, Nate Schielack, Louie Schneider, Will Schneider, Keith Schobel, and Cole Zajicek.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 267, Columbus, TX 78934 or charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.