IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Justin Vajnar
Services for Justin Lyn Vajnar, 51, who died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at his Newton residence, were 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, 901 Columbus Ave., Newton.
He was born April 12, 1972, in Newton to Lynn and Connie (Klein) Vajnar.
On June 26, 2004, he married his lifelong love, Melissa Smith, at First Presbyterian Church in Newton. She survives.
Justin would say his crowning achievement was when the light of his life entered the world on Jan. 12, 2005 — his son, Jake.
Whether camping, fishing, or hunting, Justin enjoyed most things outdoors with family and friends. Frank, a 10-point buck, proudly wears a Newton Water Department hat while hanging on a family room wall. Nobody had a chance of staying on the tube if Justin was driving the boat pulling it.
Justin was a supervisor for the City of Newton Water Department. He was a loyal public servant to the community of Newton for more than 29 years, having served in every role of the Water Department from the business end of a shovel to having served as superintendent. He would ask that everyone show their appreciation for public servants and all they do to keep our cities running every day and night.
Justin is survived by his wife, Melissa, of the home; son Jake Vajnar; parents Lynn and Connie Vajnar; sister Jennifer Vajnar; mother-in-law Beverly McGee along with Herb; father-in-law Dan Smith and wife Connie; aunts Sharon Mueller, Jane Combs, and Vickie Kraus; uncles Dennis Klein and Jerome Vajnar; brother-in-law Mark McGee and wife, Jamie; niece Maddey Vajnar-Danby; nephew Dylan Vajnar; and beloved dogs Molly and Tucker and Shadow the cat.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. Scott McGinnis and Pastor Tony Johnson.
Visitation was 5 to 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Newton.
Memorials in Justin’s name may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and may be left in care of Petersen Funeral Home.