Leonard Alois Rejcek, age 71, after a courageous battle, left this world on Jan. 27, 2015, for eternal rest with the Lord. Leo was the 16th child born to John Frank and Agnes (Kohut) Rejcek on Jan. 2, 1944, in Abbott, Texas. He married Caroline Ann Zaidle in August of 1964. They made their home in Dallas, Texas. Three years later they welcomed a daughter, Kimberly Ann. In 1978, Leo moved his family to Ennis, Texas.
Leo worked in the car wash industry for over 40 years. He owned and operated several car washes throughout the years, but C & L Car Wash in Ennis was very special to him. He was a member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the SPJST, the KJT, and the Southwestern Car Wash Association. Hobbies that Leo enjoyed were hunting, fishing, and most of all music. He was a very talented musician and played several instruments, with the trumpet being his specialty. He played in several polka bands throughout his life, and he was very proud of his Czech heritage.
He is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Kim Pechal and her husband Tommy, and his granddaughter Sydney. He is survived by the following siblings: Mary Rejcek Miller, Felix Rejek, Willie Mae Rejcek Janecka, Edna Rejcek Knapp, Edward Rejcek and Rudolph Rejcek. He is also survived by numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and special companion, Daisy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John Frank and Agnes (Kohut) Rejcek, and the following siblings: Johnnie Rejeck, Jerome Rejcek, Louise Rejcek Cooper, Alphonse Rejcek, Jody Rejcek, Raymond Rejcek, Willie Rejcek, Martha Rejcek Veselka, and Rudy Rejcek Gaiser; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nephews, Daniel Veselka and Kenneth Velselka; and a niece, Sandra Rejcek Edwards.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Interstate Highway 45, in Ennis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, at Saint John Nepomucene Catholic Church with Monsignor Henry Petter as Celebrant.
Interment will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Ennis. Pallbearers will be: Raymond John Rejcek, Ronnie Veselka, Larry Gaiser, Carl Cooper, Randee Rotramel, Larry Rejcek, Michael Knapp, and Steven Rejcek.
Donations to the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in Leo’s memory are welcomed. Donations cards will be at the funeral home or donations may be sent to the following address: Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 W. Fair Ground Road, LaGrange, TX 78945. 1-888-785-4500.
To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, TX. 972-878-2211.
