John A. Hynek

John Anthony Hynek, 92, of Hanover, KS, died Monday, August 8, 2022, at Advena Living in Clay Center, KS. Visitation was Sunday, August 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hanover Mortuary. A vigil service was held at 7 p.m., Sunday, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hanover. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 15, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Father Joseph Kieffer officiated. Music included "This Day Was Made by the Lord”, “The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want”, "You Are Near", “I Am the Bread of Life”, “Prayer of St. Francis”, “Jerusalem My Destiny”, “Song of Farewell”, “How Great Thou Art” and "America The Beautiful”. Readings and petitions were given by granddaughters, Chelsea Becker, Rashele Brown and Lydia Hynek. Offertory gifts were presented by granddaughters, Tasha Langvardt, Brianna Soley, Cassie Heinen, Trista Peck, Jayda Edgar and Alexie Hynek. The pallbearers were his grandsons, J.R. Hynek, John Nichols, Jacob Hynek, Travis Hynek, Tyler Hynek, Braden Hynek, Connor Hynek, Brett Hynek, Bryce Hynek and Case Hynek. Burial was in the church cemetery with military funeral honors provided by the Hanover American Legion. John was born March 5, 1930, on the family homestead south of Hanover, to John F. and Anastasia (Bruna) Hynek. He was the oldest of three children. His mother passed away when John was six years old. He and his brother Duane were then cared for by their aunt and uncle, Mary and Adolph Triska. His father then married Mildred Truhlicka in 1944 and the two boys moved back to the original homestead. Their sister, Patricia, remained with her grandparents and aunt Bessie in Hanover. John attended St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Hanover High School in 1948. In September of 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Camp Crowder, MO, Fort Sill, OK, and We Jaboo, Korea. In 1953, he was honorably discharged at Camp Atterbury, IN. On February 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Joan Meier, when on leave from Korea. After his discharge, they returned to the farm south of Hanover. To this union eight children were born, John R., Jeri, Jay, Jan, Jeff, Joel, Jed and Jene. After 45 years of farming, John and Joan built a home and moved into Hanover. They both continued to be active in the community. John was a lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church and Hanover American Legion where he served as Commander. He was a longtime member of Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight, District Deputy and a Faithful Navigator. He was also a member of the St. John’s Home & School, Parish Council and Hanover Alumni. John served his community, county and state in regard to Parish Council Board, Farm Bureau Director and Local Coop Elevator Board (13 years). He was also involved with the A.S.C.S Community Committee, Farmers Home Administration, Little Blue Township, Salina Diocesan Pastoral Council, Land of Lakes Board (KS/NE), CFSA (15 years), Soil Conservation, Golden Harvest and Rob-C-Co Seed Company. He called bingo on Sunday nights from 1983 to 2013 and delivered meals for the senior citizens. John’s true passion was family, watching sports, playing cards and watching nature. John and Joan truly enjoyed and maintained lifetime friendships and reunions with his army buddies and their wives. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother; wife, Joan in 2011; brother, Duane Hynek; sister, Patricia Masek; and granddaughter, Lindsey Nichols. Survivors include his children, John R. Hynek, Hanover, Jeri (Sandy) Hynek, Manhattan, Jay (Cindy) Hynek, Hanover, Jan (Dale) Allerheiligen, Houston, TX, Jeff (Vonda) Hynek, Hanover, Joel (Karen) Hynek, Hanover, Jed (Amy) Hynek, Manhattan, and Jene (Lori) Hynek, Lenexa, KS; sister-in-laws, Edna Hynek, Hanover and Martha Meier, Marysville; grandchildren, Tasha Langvardt, JR Hynek, Chelsea Becker, Johnny Nichols, Brianna Soley, Jacob Hynek, Travis Hynek, Cassie Heinen, Trista Peck, Jayda Edgar, Lydia Hynek, Tyler Hynek, Rashele Brown, Braden Hynek, Connor Hynek, Bryce Hynek, Case Hynek, Alexie Hynek, and Brett Hynek; 31 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial fund is established to St. John’s Catholic Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Hanover Mortuary. Video of Funeral for John Hynek To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John A. Hynek, please visit our flower store.