George A. “Blackie” Hejny, 91, passed away peacefully February 14, 2025, at Lane County Hospital Long Term Care in Dighton, Kansas. He was born June 11, 1933, in Great Bend to George and Christine (Stremel) Hejny. George was previously married to Dora Jean (Whitsel), Oneita (Snow) Frisby, and Karen Gillespie. He married Dixie Hawks August 21, 1986, in Lyons. She survives.
Being raised on the family farm in Olmitz, Blackie had been a resident of Great Bend since 2000, coming from Lyons. Blackie a welder by trade, started working for S & S Welding and later co-owned and operated H & S Welding. He welded for area pipelines, oilfields and independent drilling companies, such as Sterling Drilling, Duke Drilling and FH & B. During the course of his welding career, he owned and operated Blackie’s Welding. He hung up his helmet and put up his mig when he retired in 1995. He also managed to find time to open Blackie’s Lounge, which was enjoyed during the 1970’s. He was a proud 72-year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles since 1952 and a member of the Catholic faith, attending Prince of Peace Parish. He found joy in being in the great outdoors hunting, fishing and gardening. George never knew a stranger and because of this, he will be missed by many friends made, but especially his family.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 38 years, Dixie J. Hejny of Norton; sons, Douglas Hejny of Great Bend, Daniel Hejny and his wife Jenny of McCamey, Tex., Robert Hejny of Great Bend; daughter, Georgina “Gina” Cartmill and her husband Howard of Dighton; step son, Deyton Hagar of Cambridge Neb.; step daughter, Julie Campbell of Norton; sisters, Esther Tattershall of Fruita, Colo., Alice Copple and her husband Max of Miltonvale, Helen Ackerman and her husband Richard of Concordia, Mo.; brothers, Donald Hejny and his wife Roberta of La Mesa, Calif., Bernard Hejny and his wife Jeannie of Grand Junction, Colo., Leonard Hejny of Gorham; aunt, Ada Stremel of Great Bend; and 18 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; four infant sons; brothers, Edward Hejny, Ralph Hejny; sister, Susan Shupe and her husband Boyd; brother-in-law, Lee Tattershall; infant sister, Clara Mae Hejny; stepdaughter Deborah Sue Campbell; one grandson, Riley Hager; and stepson, Darin Campbell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 20, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2025, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to Prince of Peace Parish, St. Theresa Catholic Church, or Lane County Hospital Long Term Care, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.