Martin R. Hajek, 87, died Saturday at St. Luke Living Center in Marion.

He was born in rural Tampa Dec. 9, 1923 to Stanley and Elsie (Klenda) Hajek, graduated from Tampa High School, and attended Wichita State University. He served in the army during World War II.

He married Catherine Costello Sept. 17, 1949. He was a farmer and a stockman.

His wife and sisters Irene Wilson, Veronica Crist, and Lorraine Ward, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children: John Hajek of Tampa, Mary Whitchurch of Pembroke Pines, Fla., Susan Rowley of Chesapeake, Va., Joan Hillyer of Shawnee, and Diane Challacombe of Manhattan; and 18 grandchildren.

A rosary was said at 7 p.m. Monday and a funeral was held Tuesday at Holy Family Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, Tampa. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tampa. A memorial fund has been established with St. Luke Living Center in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.