Joseph Hejna

Joseph David Hejna, age 26, died suddenly on September 1st in a car accident, in Traverse City, Michigan. He is survived by his parents, Bill and Nancy (Mauro, Mara, Ed, Zayda), sisters Maggie, and Katie (Adam, Sawyer, Elliott), cousins Lex (Bobbie), Maddy, Hub, Rick, Dan (Jessica), Rob, Emily, Amanda, Claire, aunts and uncles David, Nancy, Mike, Michelle, Susan, Rich, countless friends, and faithful canine, Donny. He is preceded in death by his brother Will. Joe graduated in 2014 from Indiana University with a degree in informatics.

Joe was the brightest light and biggest, and tallest, smile in the room. He brought an energy to his life and relationships like no one else. Always curious, inventive, mischievous, intelligent, fun loving, creative, he was the glue, the helper, the gift giver. He worked to make all our lives easier, often in the face of incredible challenges. Woodworker, botanist, astronomer, fisherman, traveler, technical wiz, story teller, budding musician in the Hejna tradition, he never ceased to amaze us with his new projects and breadth of knowledge. He will be missed beyond measure.

Funeral arrangements are private. There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, September 22nd, from 1-5 pm., at the home of Mike and Michelle Hejna, 236 Shenstone Rd., Riverside, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the “Hejna Family Assistance Fund” Dominican University, c\o Melanie Dykstra, 7900 West Division Street, River Forest, IL, 60305.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guestbook and share your thoughts and memories with the family. Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City. 231.941.9034