SIOUX CITY -- John S. Hejhal, 81, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn., after a brief illness.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Morningside Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. David Koehler officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the conclusion of the service. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Avenue.

John was born Oct. 24, 1930 in Howells, Neb., the son of Joseph and Katherine (Bocian) Hejhal. After graduating from Howells High School, he taught country school for three years. He then served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

On Aug. 31, 1954 he married Betty A. Zrust in Clarkson, Neb. John graduated from Wayne State College and did graduate studies in Laramie, Wyo. In 1959 he began his teaching career for the Sioux City Community School District at Central High School. He retired from North High School in 1992. John was owner of Hejhal Realty for 25 years until his death.

He was a 52-year member of Morningside Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder and belonged to the Men's Club. John enjoyed his work and being around people. He will be remembered as a philosopher by many.

Survivors include his wife, Betty; two sons, Greg Hejhal and his wife Rebeca of Dallas, Texas, and Jeff Hejhal of Sioux City; four brothers, Jim Hejhal of Schuyler, Neb., Joe Hejhal of Howells, Neb., Gene Hejhal and his wife Diana of Sergeant Bluff, and Elmer Hejhal of Fremont, Neb.; four sisters and their husbands, Elsie and Gene Alexander of Omaha, Neb., Marylee and Adolph Jindra, Katherine and Lawrence Bayer and Alice and Fred Krenk, all of Schuyler, Neb.; a stepgrandson, Alvin; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Keith and Gary; his parents; and two sisters, Doreen and Tillie.