Jerry was born May 19, 1947, in La Grange, Texas, to Jerry and Evelyn Hayek. He was the oldest of three children and grew up in a close-knit family just south of Weimar. He attended St. Michael Catholic School and graduated from Weimar High School in 1965. He proudly served in the Texas National Guard from 1966-1972.

On Jan. 22, 1972, Jerry married the love of his life and lifelong friend, Darlene Ann Hanzelka. Together they built a home on fami ly land, where they shared 53 wonderful years of love, laughter, and memories. They were truly inseparable. They were simply, Jerry and Darlene.

Jerry and Darlene were blessed with one daughter, Stacy Lynn, who was the light of Jerry’s life, and later a son-in-law, Jimmy, and a grandson, Houston Hayek Heger, who was Jerry’s Best Bud.

Jerry worked as an Environmental Special ist for 45 years. Through all the changes and company buyouts, he was the one everyone could count on. He was always the first one there in the mornings—up before dawn, leaving home by 3:30 a.m. to open the gates and start the coffee for friends and co-workers. Jerry took pride in his work and in being a friend people could depend on.

Jerry was an avid outdoorsman. He looked forward to camping at the lake with his family, hunting beautiful Hill Country bucks in Llano and fishing for big yellow cats on the Colorado. Opening weekend of deer season was one of his favorite times of year. The stew pot was always hot by 10:00 a.m., with Jerry and Darlene cooking up a big pot of their famous stew to share with family and friends who stopped by throughout the day.

Some of Jerry’s happiest memories were from the weekends when Darlene worked, and it was just him and Stacy. Saturday mornings meant early rises and working cattle with Me-Ma and Po-Po.

Saturday and Sunday afternoons were often spent fishing at a pond or hunting in a stand together. Jerry instilled that same, great love of the outdoors in Stacy. He was so proud of her and everything she accomplished. Jerry was really looking forward to her upcoming retirement so he could spend even more time with her. Stacy was, “Daddy’s Girl”.

His bond with his grandson Houston, was something truly special. Jerry was Houston’s “Bo-Bo”. They were best friends and partners in everything— working on boats, changing oil, building deer stands, target shooting, hunting, or just talking about deer season (which they started preparing for the minute it ended). Wherever you saw one, the other wasn’t far behind.

Jerry also shared a special bond with his son-inlaw Jimmy, who became more like a son over the past 28 years. They loved and respected each other deeply—trading jokes, advice, and projects through the years.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Darlene, daughter Stacy, son-inlaw Jimmy, and grandson Houston. One sister Shirley Ulrich and husband, Gary; sister-in-law, Linda Stancik and husband Ronnie; brother-in-law, Edward Hanzelka III and sister-in-law, Marie Hayek, as well as extended family members and many dear friends who were like family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Jerry and Evelyn Hayek, little brother Donald Hayek and his In-laws, Ed and Irene Hanzelka.

Jerry will be remembered for his kindness, his laughter, his incredible work ethic, and the way he always put family first. He loved simple things—coffee before sunrise, a good day’s work, a steady hand while fishing on the river, a pot of stew shared with friends, and time spent with the ones he loved most. His presence, stories, and laughter will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Visitation was held Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, with a Rosary following at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Weimar with Msg. John Peters and Fr. Chase Goodman officiating.

Pallbearers were Hugo Richter, Chad Zapalac, Jason Ulrich, Phillip Garcia, David Stancik and Hunter Price. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church in Weimar, P.O. Box 35, Weimar, TX 78962, the Weimar FFA Alumni, 506 W. Main St., Weimar, TX 78962, or a charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.