Born on August 23, 1943, in Victoria to John and Olita Schlebach, Jeanette lived a life rooted in faith, family, and selfless service to others. Raised in the Six Mile community, she treasured memories of growing up in the country, dancing at the Music Box and dance halls in DaCosta and Inez. Her early years raising chickens and turkeys on the family farm shaped the values of hard work, kindness, and humility she carried with her throughout her life.
Jeanette graduated from Bloomington High School before starting her career at First National Bank in Port Lavaca. She also worked at Victoria First National Bank, Suzanne's Women’s Fashion Store, and as a Tupperware consultant before joining American Regional in the Medical Records Department where she later retired. No matter where she worked, she was known for her dependability, warm smile, and willingness to help others.
On October 3, 1964, Jeanette married the love of her life, Bennie Hajek. Together they shared more than sixty-two years of marriage, built their dream home, and raised their two daughters, Laurie and Stephanie. It was and still is a place where all are welcome with open arms and hearts.
Jeanette's Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, she participated and volunteered her time in service to her parish. Her faith was reflected not only in her prayers, but in the compassion, generosity, and grace with which she lived each day. She believed deeply in serving others and quietly demonstrated Christ's love through countless acts of kindness.
To know Jeanette was to know someone who was always willing to step up and handle whatever needed to be done. Whether a family member needed help, someone was ill, or encouragement was needed during a difficult season, Jeanette simply showed up. She never sought recognition for her generosity; caring for others was simply part of who she was. Her steady presence, listening ear, thoughtful advice, and unconditional love became a source of strength for so many throughout her life.
She was an incredibly talented seamstress who sewed all of her daughters' clothes while they were growing up. She also became known for her beautifully decorated cut-out birthday cakes, homemade cookies, and her famous trash mix. During the Christmas season, her treasured Christmas village transformed her home into a place of warmth, joy, and cherished family traditions.
Jeanette found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved tending her garden, feeding and watching the birds, caring for her chickens, shopping for clothes and shoes, and taking the occasional gambling trip with family and friends. She enjoyed cheering on the San Antonio Spurs and relaxing with her favorite television shows, including Bonanza, The Beverly Hillbillies, Hee-Haw, Happy Days, Wheel of Fortune, and classic game shows. She also loved music, especially polka, along with favorites like Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash.
She never missed an opportunity to let someone know they were loved. Birthday cards, anniversary cards, handwritten notes, thoughtful gifts, and homemade treats were simply part of who she was. One treasured family memory was the homemade cookies she mailed to her brother-in-law Louis while he served in Vietnam. Her grandchildren always looked forward to visiting Grandma, knowing they would be welcomed with love, a sweet treat, and often a crisp five-dollar bill.
Jeanette believed in working hard, keeping her faith at the center of her life, and always putting family first. Through her quiet example, she taught her children and grandchildren the importance of kindness, integrity, generosity, and showing up for the people you love. Her greatest accomplishment was never measured by awards or recognition, but by the family she nurtured, the friendships she treasured, and the countless lives she touched through simple acts of love and service.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, John and Olita Schlebach; her father and mother-in-law, Ludwig and Agnes Hajek; her brothers-in-law, Otto Kalischko and Jerry Micek; her nieces and nephews, Kevin Micek, Crystal Micek, David Anderle, Alicia McDonald and Matias B Garcia Jr.; and her great-niece and nephew Madison Anderle and Garrett Wayne-Koehl.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Bennie Hajek; her daughters, Laurie Freeze and husband Charles, and Stephanie Phillips and husband Wesley; her beloved grandchildren, Brinton Freeze, Brooke Phillips, and Ella Phillips; her sister, Rosalie Anderle and husband Robert; her brother, Johnny Schlebach and wife Betty; her sister, Lita Mae Micek; her sister-in-law, Evelyn Kalischko; her brother-in-law, Edwin Hajek and wife Vickie; her brother-in-law Louis Hajek and wife Viola; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
The family will receive friends and family for visitation on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, with the Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. A Mass and burial service will be celebrated on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Johnny Schlebach, Ryan Waters, Evan Waters, Kyle Loest, Scott Ledbetter, Brett Micek, Dalton Petras, and Ronnie Hajek.
The family welcomes flowers to be sent to Rosewood Funeral Chapel. Memorial donations may also be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
While her family mourns her passing, they find peace in knowing she is home with the Lord. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, faith, and gentle spirit will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
