Leonard "Pete" Hayek

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Pete's Memorial Service

It is with great sadness that the family of Leonard “Pete” Hayek announces his peaceful passing at his home on Sept 17, 2024 at the age of 92. He was born to parents John and Justine Hayek on March 5, 1932. Pete was one of 9 children: John, Eleanor, Les, Margaret, Alice, Richard, Phyllis and Patricia. The family resided on Orchard Avenue in Robbinsdale MN. Pete excelled in athletics. He was a 3-sport Varsity athlete [football, basketball and baseball, for which he was inducted into the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017] and was the 1950 Senior Class President. He graduated from Robbinsdale Senior High where he met his wife, Joanne Langford. Together they had 6 children: Debbie, Dawn, Peter, David, Melissa and Mark; who blessed him with 6 beautiful grandchildren: David and Jennifer Redd (Dawn), Shelby, Emma and Dylan Hayek (Mark) and Jack Weigel (Melissa). Pete was also proud to know that he was expecting a great grandchild in December 2024 (Dylan). Pete also had a son, Steve Bloom, along with 2 granddaughters, Haley Rogers and Jenna Colosimo and 3 great grandchildren, Mario Jr. and Henry (Jenna), and Lucy (Haley). His family meant everything to him and brought him immeasurable joy. 

Pete worked a number of jobs, but when asked, he would always tell people he was a Milk Man. He did home delivery to front door steps and later drove a truck in the early mornings, delivering to schools and grocery stores. He loved being known for that job and always joked about it. Pete was full of life and quick-witted, always ready with a story or a joke. He had a love/hate relationship with the game of golf. Most days of the week, he could be found on the Sundance golf course, smoking cigars and laughing with the many friends he made. But ultimately the love of the game prevailed - he was still swinging the golf club at the age of 91. Pete’s other passion was singing and entertaining. He often sang at weddings and funerals for friends and family and his claim to fame was singing with the Lettermen at the Carlton Room in Bloomington, MN in the late 70s. He competed in many singing competitions – once coming in 2nd place to a person playing a long saw with a bow! He loved to sing karaoke and had many fans in Arizona and Minnesota. It was at karaoke in Oregon where he met his long time love, Mary Hill. They retired together in Mesa, AZ in the mid-90s and made many friends during their time there. 

In his later years, it was important to Pete to stay connected with his friends and family. Every day, he’d take out his trusty flip phone and call all the people on his list – names and phone numbers that he memorized. The conversations were short, but sweet. He just needed to check in, see how the person was doing and then move onto the next loved one.

He is survived by his loving children, Debbie Ryan (Rick), Dawn Lorenzen (Mike), David Hayek, Melissa Weigel (Kevin), Mark Hayek (Lisa), Steve Bloom (Jody), his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sisters, Phyllis Elling (Ed) and Patricia Feltes (Len), many nieces, nephews and other family members. He is preceded in death by his wife Joanne, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, son-in-law Rick Ryan, Mary Hill, and beloved son Peter Hayek. 

A service will be held Friday, Sept 27, 2024 at Gearty-Delmore, Robbinsdale, MN at 11am with a visitation 1 hour prior. Burial service is planned around 12pm at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope, MN with a luncheon to follow. 

The family wishes to acknowledge the hospice staff and caregivers who provided tremendous care and support to Pete and his loved ones in his last few weeks. If desired, donations can be sent in Pete’s memory to Grace Hospice, 1015 N 4th Ave, Suite 206, Minneapolis, MN 55405 or via their website:  www.gracecaring.org/support-us.