Justin L Vajnar

Justin Lyn Vajnar 51, died Saturday, August 19, 2023, at his Newton residence. He was born April 12, 1972, in Newton, Kansas to Lynn and Connie (Klein) Vajnar. On June 26, 2004, he married his lifelong love Melissa Smith at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton, and she survives.

Justin would say his crowning achievement was when the light of his life entered the world on January 12, 2005, his son Jake. 

Whether camping, fishing, or hunting, Justin enjoyed most things outdoors with family and friends. Frank, the 10-point buck, proudly wears a Newton Water Department hat while hanging on the family room wall. Nobody had a chance of staying on the tube if Justin was driving the boat. 

Justin was a supervisor for the City of Newton Water Department. Justin was a loyal public servant to the community of Newton for over 29 years, having served in every role of the Water Department from the business end of a shovel to having served as Superintendent. He would ask that everyone show their appreciation for your public servants and all they do to keep our city running every day and night. 

Justin is survived by his wife Melissa of the home; son Jake Vajnar; parents Lynn and Connie Vajnar; sister Jennifer Vajnar; mother-in-law Beverly McGee and Herb; father-in-law Dan (Connie) Smith, aunts Sharon (Gary) Mueller, Jane Combs, and Vickie Kraus; uncles Dennis Klein and Jerome Vajnar; brother-in-law Mark (Jamie) McGee; niece Maddey Vajnar-Danby and nephew Dylan Vajnar and beloved dogs Molly and Tucker and Shadow the cat. 

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 26, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church at 901 Columbus in Newton with The Reverend Scott McGinnis and Pastor Tony Johnson presiding. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton.

Memorials in Justin’s name may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society or Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and left in care of Petersen Funeral Home.