Carl L. Hejna
Wonderful and loving husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, Carl L. Hejna, 85 of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, died peacefully at his home November 23, 2012 with his family present. He was born October 23, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to Helen and Karl Hejna and resided on the Palos Verdes Peninsula for the past 58 years. In Japan, 1945, he was responsible for the U.S. Army's body and fender shop servicing over 10,000 vehicles. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to California, attended Occidental College and received a Doctor of Optometry from USC School of Optometry in 1954. Carl met Dorothy Jane Belt at Occidental College and in 1954 began a loving marriage of 58 years. Moving to the South Bay, Carl began his optometric career working for Kaiser, which at that time was located above a few storefronts near Ports O' Call. A short time later, Carl joined the optometric practice of Harold Clayson and then continued his own practice in San Pedro until retiring in 1992. He enjoyed many active years as a member of the San Pedro Rotary and Elks Clubs. An avid swimmer, Carl enjoyed lap swimming at home as well as in the ocean off Torrance and when in Hawaii during one of their many trips. Before and after his retirement, Carl traveled the world with Jane and when possible their daughters, Kristine Hejna (Evan Friedman) of Chantilly, Virginia, and Amy Dean (Russell) of Rancho Palos Verdes. Carl loved his life and had many happy years with family and friends. One of his greatest joys was his grandson, Russell "RJ" Dean, Jr., and the time they spent together. We will carry Carl's memory in our hearts - his affection for his family, wonderful sense of humor, acute business acumen, and his kindness to others. Carl was a gentleman. There will be a celebration of life at a future date. Please sign the guestbook at dailybreeze.com/obits and mcnerneysmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
I will miss Uncle Carl very much. I have wonderful memories of visiting all those summers and I always felt like I was home. I enjoyed his sense of humor, kindness and adventurous spirit. I remember swimming in the pool often in Palos Verdes, the lemon trees in the backyard, and going out for nice dinners with the family. There was so much love in his family and it could be felt by everyone. All my love and sympathy,
Sue Stone
December 11, 2012
With love, sympathy and prayers, Dian Allison and Family.
Jane, I will always remember the excitement and romance of your and Carl's courtship and marriage---what a dashing young man! What a wonderful man all down the years.
Dian Allison
December 7, 2012
The best move my sister ever did was marrying Carl. We always had good times together.
Robert Belt
December 7, 2012
Carl was my first Optometryst when I began working at the Family business, and continued to be until his retirement. Carl was such joyous person to be around, I looked forward to every eye exam with him, a lot of laughter went on at those exams. I missed that after he retired.
Michael McNerney
December 7, 2012
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