Frank Emil Pajestka Jr. was called to his heavenly home in the early morning hours on October 1, 2024. Frank was born on a cold December 12, 1953, at the Sewell Hospital in Belton, Tx to Helen Sirney Pajestka and Frank E. Pajestka, Sr. He grew up in Holland, Tx. He was a true student of Agriculture, and a member of 4H and FFA. He graduated in the top 10% of his high school class and graduated from UMHB with a math major and history minor. Frank was a lifelong, dedicated member of SPJST Lodge 80. For several years he was a top salesman for SPJST Insurance. Frank earned a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from

Prairieview A& M University. Frank leaves an indelible legacy of service and compassion on all he met. He was an outstanding math teacher at Belton ISD and then as a high school counselor for Belton High. He helped numerous students navigate their teen years. He began his education career in 1976. As a young man, before marriage, he worked many summers with his dad and others at American Desk Company to earn extra money to pay for expenses. He was a middle school counselor for Academy ISD beginning in 2001 until 2014.

Frank was a man of service to so many. He was a dedicated worker for the Knights of Columbus in Granger, Tx and in Holland for SPJST Lodge 80’s many community involvement activities, especially Bingo. He was a member of St Stephen Catholic church in Salado, TX. He often served on committees, was a Eucharistic minister and an acolyte. Frank received his sacraments at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic church in Granger, Tx as a youth.

Frank married the love of his life, Risa Swanner, on August 1, 1987. They were blessed with two children, Victoria Pajestka Zajicek (Brad) and Cyril Pajestka (Angela). Frank loved his family with a deep and abiding love. He loved joking, playing dominoes, checkers, cards, bingo, gardening, and cooking. He loved his country life. Frank enjoyed taking care of others and the farm animals. He was a terrific gardener and a master chef! Gardening, canning and cooking brought him peace and happiness.

He adored his precious grandchildren: Bethany Zajicek, Thomas Zajicek, Sarah Zajicek, and Claire Pajestka. He was looking forward to seeing " New Baby" Zajicek in spring of 2025. He loved his sister, her family, and his nieces, nephews, and cousins and his friends of all ages.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Helen Pajestka and by a grandchild Rachel Ann Zajicek.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Risa; his sister Monica McDougall (Jim); his children: Victoria Zajicek (Brad); Cyril Pajestka (AngeIa); his nieces: Monica Weir (Kenny); Michelle Taylor (Scott); Christina Hopes (Tyoshi); Rebecca Swanner (Caleb); and Faith Clay. Nephews: Hayden Taylor, Kole Weir, Kenneth Drake, TJ Hopes; brother-in-law, Joseph Swanner; the grandchildren; and his many cousins and dear friends.

Visitation will be at St Stephen Catholic Church, Salado, TX, 6pm Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, with a Rosary to follow. Celebration of Life Mass will be at 2:30pm at St Stephen Catholic Church, October 5. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Granger, TX. A light meal will be held at the ss Cyril and Methodius Catholic church parish hall Granger, Tx following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the SPJST Scholarship fund, Holland High school scholarship fund, St Stephen Catholic Church Improvement fund or a charity of your choice.

Services are in the care of Broecker Funeral Home of Salado.