Roll Call Tribute

Robert Arthur "Bobby" Zajicek 

December 10, 1939 - March 23, 2023 

Robert Arthur “Bobby” Zajicek, 83, of Columbus, Texas, entered into Eternal Rest on March 23, 2023.

Bobby was born December 10, 1939 to Adolph and Florence (Leyendecker) Zajicek in Columbus, Texas. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1958.

On April 5, 1959, Bobby married Mae Dene Chollett at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus, Texas. Bobby was baptized and raised Methodist, but transferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church in March, 1959, and remained a member the rest of his life.

In 1960, the couple moved to San Marcos for Bobby to attend college. While living in San Marcos, they welcomed their son, Robert Neal in 1962. In the fall of that year, the family moved to Bryan-College Station for Bobby to attend Texas A & M University. While living in the Army barracks apartments there, Bobby and Mae Dene made many lifelong friends.

When Bobby graduated in 1965, they moved back to Columbus. Their daughter, Melinda Anne, was born in July 1969. In 1976, Bobby and Mae Dene started Zajicek Engineering and Surveying, where they both worked until they retired in 2017.

Bobby enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved fishing, camping and going to casinos. He was proud of his family and enjoyed visits from his great grandchildren. During COVID, Bobby and Mae Dene began watching church on FB live. Every Sunday, at 9 a.m. he watched Pastor Alan’s service on his phone.

Bobby is survived by his son Robert Neal Zajicek and wife Kelly of Shaws Bend; daughter Melinda Anne Zajicek of Columbus; grandchildren Cole Zajicek and wife Kristin of Shaws Bend, Cassidy Parks and husband Cody of Bellville, and Nate Schielack and girlfriend Baillie Powell of La Grange; great-grandchildren Michelle, Faith, John, Tucker, and Kason; nephews David Chollett of Pearland, Gene Wayne Chollett and John Olguin of Philadelphia, PA, Bennie Zajicek and wife, Sylvia of Columbus, David Zajicek, Jr. and wife Tawanna of Columbus; niece Shara Gallmann and husband Tommy of Dallas; great-nephews Garrett Chollett, David Wayne Zajicek and wife Kylee, Dylan Zajicek and Mason Zajicek; great-nieces Sydnee Chollett, Maddie Zajicek, Lindsey Siptak and husband Colby, Lauren Muckleroy and husband James; great-great-nephew Dusty Siptak; brother and sister in law Al Gene and wife Deanie of Shaws Bend; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mae Dene, his parents Adolph and Florence Zajicek; father and mother-in-law Alfred and Mabel Chollett; and brother David Zajicek, Sr.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus, Texas with Pastor Alan Kethan officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, April 1, 2023, 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Columbus, Texas.

Honorary pallbearers are David Zajicek, Jr., Smokey Leyendecker, James Luedecke, Louie Schneider, Mary Schneider, Will Schneider, Nathan Leyendecker, Leete Etheridge, Troy Roensch, James Bolten, David Chollett, Paul Jurica and Eddie Faldyn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 267, Columbus, TX 78934 or charity of your choice.