Donald “Don” William Hejlik

Donald “Don” William Hejlik, age 86, of rural Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at his home.

Don was born on January 9, 1940, in North Dakota to Joseph and Annie (Trhlin) Hejlik and was raised in the Lawton area, where he was baptized and confirmed at Lomnice Catholic Church in Lawton. He developed a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for family and community that stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Lawton High School and went on to further his education, earning his master’s degree after attending Mayville State College, Bemidji State College, and Moorhead State College.

In 1959 he married Mary Jane Loften to this marriage two children were born Donna and Dan. Don married the love of his life Lois (Koenig) Hejlik, on April 29 1965 in Bismarck, ND, to this marriage two children were born Lisa and Paul. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and dedication in Thief River Falls.

Don spent many years as a custom harvester before beginning a long and impactful career in education. From 1965 until his retirement in 2000, he taught at Knox Elementary and Franklin Middle School, where he influenced and inspired countless students. Teaching wasn’t just his profession—it was his calling, and he took great pride in helping young people learn and grow.

Outside of work, Don was a man who truly enjoyed life. He loved fishing, camping, hunting, bowling, golfing and was an avid Minnesota sports fan. He also had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything with his hands—a skill that made him the go-to person for family and friends alike. He loved his summers at their seasonal campsite at Breeze Campground and Resort in Park Rapids, MN where the only friends he didn’t know were the ones he hadn’t met yet.

Don was an active member of his community. He was involved in the Elks Lodge #1308, where he served as Exalted Ruler from 1988–1989, the Eagles Aerie #2368, and the Minnesota Education Association where he worked as a negotiator for many northern Minnesota school districts.

Don was always quick with a joke and a story or two, some of which got more colorful over the years. Above all, Don cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 plus years Lois; children: Donna Clauson of Lakota, ND; Dan (Mel) Johnson of Grand Forks, ND; Lisa (Jay) Murphy of Rapid City, SD; and Paul (Ashley) Hejlik of Thief River Falls, MN; Brother: Jim (Monica)Hejlik. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Cassandra (Preston) Sundeen, Christopher (Shaina Casebeer) Johnson, Dereck (Jodine) Clauson, Brandon (Tina) Johnson, Aron (Abby Bak) Hejlik, Aliya Hejlik, Lauren (Ethan) Schlechte, and Conrad (Sarah) Murphy; and his great-grandchildren: Landon, Kelby, Jenna and Kate Sundeen; Decker and Vincent Clauson; Jackson Johnson; and Reuelle, Reniah, and Noa Murphy.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Annie Hejlik; in-laws, John and Leona Koenig Sletmoen; Step Dad, Orville Sletmoen; his brother, Joe Hejlik; his grandson, Gannon Hejlik; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters in-law.

Don will be remembered for his steady presence, his hardworking spirit, his willingness to help others, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched—as a teacher, a friend, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.