Obituary for John G. Hrejsa

Skip was born on February 16, 1940, in Evanston, Illinois, to John and Randy (Wisland) Hrejsa. In seventh grade, he moved to Houston, Minnesota, to live with his grandparents Targe and Gina Wisland. He graduated from Caledonia High School in 1957 and soon after joined the Naval Reserves.

On September 23, 1961, he married his sweetheart, Darlene (Schuldt) Hrejsa. Shortly after their marriage, Skip and Darlene moved to Chicago for a few years and eventually settled in Glenview, Illinois. Together the couple shared 64 years of love, laughter, family, and countless memories.

Skip dedicated his life to serving others through firefighting. He began his career with the Evanston Fire Department in December 1963 and faithfully served until his retirement in March 1990, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. Even in retirement, his passion for the fire service continued. After moving to Brownsville, MN in 1997, he volunteered with the Brownsville Fire Department and also worked as an arson investigator.

Beyond his career, Skip was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and his ability to f ix just about anything. Along with the help from friends and family, Skip realized his dream to build his own house, which welcomes many visitors to enjoy the scenic views. He loved carpentry, antiquing, feeding and watching the birds, and reading. Some of his favorite memories were made on snowmobile rides, fishing trips, and the many “fireman trips” he enjoyed over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; daughters, Debbie (Guy) Steinbrink and Renee (Steve) Ciepley; seven grandchildren, Beth, Robby, Jessica, Alyssa, Trever, Jillian, and Olivia; and one great-grandchild, Hazel.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly (Tom) Sankovich; his son, Brad Hrejsa, and grandson, Timothy.

Skip will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his service to others, his uncanny ability to talk like Donald Duck, and the quiet, steady presence he brought to those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., May 22, 2026, at the Four Seasons Community Center, 900 N. Kingston St., Caledonia, Minn. Military honors will be rendered by the Brownsville VFW and the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m., until the time of service, May 22, at the community center.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Brownsville Fire Department PO Box 138 Brownsville, MN, 55919.

Online condolences may be offered to Skip’s family at this site.