Ludvik Bajer

Ludvik Bajer, age 85, of West, passed away early Tuesday evening, March 12, 2013 at West Rest Haven in West. A rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West by Michelle Mebane and his grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. Bajer was born July 19, 1927 in West, the son of Frank and Julie (Kucera) Bajer. He attended school at St. Mary's School in West. On January 23, 1960 he was united in marriage to Mildred Frances Tichavsky in Abbott. Ludvik served his country with the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Bajer worked for General Tire & Rubber Company in Waco for 39 years until his retirement in 1992. He also worked as a rancher and owned West Automatic Laundry and Elm Mott Laundry since 1977. Ludvik was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, and was also a member of K.J.T. Lodge #31 and the McLennan /Hill County Czech Heritage Society. He enjoyed working in his garden and yard, grafting trees, playing dominoes, fishing, drinking coffee and socializing. Ludvik is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Frank Bajer Jr, Jimmie Bajer and Edward Bajer. Survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Mildred Bajer of West; a son, Louis Bajer and wife Belinda of Elm Mott; two daughters, Pamela Bateman and husband Ed of Marion, and Diane Watson and husband Tracy of Yukon, Oklahoma; one sister, Dorothy Vavra and husband Harold; six grandchildren, Katelyn and Kyle Bajer, Laney and Ty Bateman, and Kelby and Braden Watson; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Richard Skopik, Warren Vavra, Kelby Watson, Kyle Bajer, Ty Bateman and Braden Watson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the McLennan/Hill County Czech Heritage Society or to St. Mary's Catholic Church.