James "Jim" F. Hynek

James "Jim" Francis Hynek, 79, of Hanover, KS, died Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at Hanover Long-term Care. Visitation was Friday, February 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hanover Mortuary. A vigil service was held at 7 p.m., Friday, February 7 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hanover. A funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 8, at St. John’s Catholic Church.  Father Soosai Rathinam and Deacon Buzz Harris officiated.  Janet Fritschi played the organ while the church choir sang “Come to Me”, “Shelter Me, O God”, “Jerusalem My Destiny”, “I Can Only Imagine”, “Song of Farewell” and “You Are Mine”. The pallbearers were Brent Hynek, Tim Hynek, Brad Hynek, Doug Hynek, Curtis Press and Brian McDaniel. Burial was in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Jim was born June 14, 1940, in Bremen, to Joseph and Mary (Diederich) Hynek. In 1958, he graduated from Hanover High School.  On September 3, 1960, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Elva Neumann. He worked for Sedlacek Furniture Store in Hanover for over 25 years and later at Parker-Hannifin in Manhattan.  In semi-retirement, he worked for several years at Fort Riley. Jim was a practical joker who loved to play tricks on family and friends and he never knew a stranger.   He was a life-long avid hunter and fisherman and he could never pass up a game of pinochle.  In retirement he also loved helping his brothers on the farm. Survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Elva (Neumann); son, Dan Hynek and wife Sandra, Olathe, KS; three grandchildren, Candice (Tyson) Blackburn, Ashley (Josh) Carrick and Jared (Sarah) Hynek; four great-children that he loved dearly; six brothers, Dennis, Joe, Melvin, Larry, Rick and Kevin; two sisters, Betty McDaniel and Karen Slusher; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three infant sons; parents; infant sister, Mary; and brother, Don. A memorial fund has been established to St. John’s Catholic Church Renovation Fund.  Contributions may be sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" F. Hynek, please visit our flower store.