In November 2024, the members of SPJST Lodge 80, Holland voted to establish an endowed SPJST scholarship in memory of Frank E. Pajestka, Jr., a lifelong member of their lodge. Memorial gifts from Lodge 80, Lodge 177, Academy, and many of Frank’s friends helped build the fund, and the first Frank E. Pajestka, Jr. Scholarship was awarded in 2025.

Frank was born December 12, 1953, in Belton to Frank E. Pajestka, Sr. and Helen Sirney Pajestka, and grew up in Holland. Active in 4-H and FFA, he graduated in the top 10 percent of his high school class. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, with a minor in history, from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Prairie View A&M University.

A life in education

Frank began his career in 1976 as a math teacher for Belton ISD and later served as a counselor at Belton High School. From 2001 to 2014, he was a middle school counselor for Academy ISD. Over nearly four decades in education, he helped countless students navigate their teen years.

Devoted to Lodge 80

Frank was a lifelong, dedicated member of SPJST Lodge 80, Holland. For several years he was one of SPJST’s top insurance salesmen, and he worked tirelessly on the lodge’s community activities — especially bingo. He served Lodge 80 as its Fraternal Activities Coordinator and, at the time of his passing, as Vice President.

A member of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Salado, Frank served on church committees and as a Eucharistic minister and acolyte. He also worked with the Knights of Columbus in Granger.

Frank leaves an indelible legacy of service and compassion on all he met.— From Frank’s obituary

Frank married Risa Swanner on August 1, 1987. Together they raised two children, Victoria and Cyril, and he was a proud grandfather of four. Frank passed away on October 1, 2024, at age 70.