Arnold Gene Dolejsi

Arnold Gene Dolejsi, 89, was born to James and Rose Dolejsi on May 19th, 1934, in Geddes, South Dakota. Arnie passed from this world to be with our Lord and Savoir Friday night at 8:10pm at home with his loving family.
Arnie grew up on the family farm with his two brothers, Rich and John Dolejsi, while finishing high school and eventually South Dakota State University where he graduated with a degree in Agriculture. Arnold signed up for the ROTC program with the Air Force and upon graduating University, he joined the military.
Arnie used to tell the story that he chose the Air Force because "It was the shortest line". He completed flight test training and being ranked in the top of his class, was chosen by TAC(Tactical Air Command) to fly fighters.
In Vietnam, he became a part of the most dangerous assignments as part of the historic "Wild Weasels" squadrons that flew missions in Vietnam in the heart of the war. His missions took place at a time when for every two planes that took off, one was shot down.
Arnie, along with his EWO(Electronics Warfare Officer) Paul L. Chesley, completed 100 missions in Vietnam, while receiving numerous medals and commendations, including The Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and others.
While stationed in Wichita, Kansas in 1966, he met his future wife, Rosemary Joyce Snyder. They were married and in 1967, their first of two children, Kerry Gene Dolejsi, was born. The family moved to Ogden, Utah were Arnie was stationed and in 1969 the second of their children, Bradley James Dolejsi was born.
Arnie was then stationed in Midwest City, Oklahoma in 1970 at Tinker Air Force Base, so the family moved to where they still call home. Arnie was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel as he served in Air Logistics Command, and spent time as acting Deputy Base Commander.
Arnie retired from the military in 1981, where he completed his Masters Degree from The University of Central Oklahoma and went to work in Environmental Safety for numerous employers until his retirement in 2016 from the State Government Insurance Agency, Comp Source.
Arnie is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his children, Kerry and Brad; his brothers, Rich and his son Dave, and John and his wife Joan. We will miss him dearly, and only want everyone to celebrate his life, and understand and acknowledge that this world has lost a true hero and a great man!