Larry M. Hynek

Larry Michael Hynek, 71, of rural Barnes, KS passed away January 29, 2023, at his home. Visitation is Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hanover Mortuary. The rosary will be held at 7 p.m., at St. John’s Catholic Church, Hanover. The funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2023 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Hanover. Father Joseph Kieffer will officiate. Janet Fritschi is the organist and music selections are “Be Not Afraid,” “Prayer of St. Francis,” “I Am the Bread of Life,” “Ave Maria” sung by Kim Zimmerman and “On Eagles Wings.” Pallbearers are Dawson Sedlacek, Justin Diederich, Brad Hynek, Joel Curtiss, Brian McDaniel, Darin McDaniel, Nick Bruna and Doug Hynek. Honorary pallbearers are Dan Hynek, Billy Nitch, Chandler Hynek, Tim Hynek and Chris Hynek. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Larry was born September 25, 1951 to Joseph and Mary (Diederich) Hynek at Marysville, KS and grew up on a farm near Bremen, KS with a large loving family. He attended St. John’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Hanover High School in 1969. He participated in basketball, football and track and field. He excelled at throwing the javelin and set the high school record in 1969 for javelin with a throw of 213 ft, 6 in and the record is still in place today. Larry received a full ride scholarship to throw javelin for Emporia State University where he earned his teaching degree. He achieved college All-American rankings competing in the javelin and was ranked in the top ten across the United States as a javelin thrower. After graduating he taught and coached football at Wetmore. He later taught at both Linn and Washington. He left his teaching position to help operate the family farm. He loved farming and especially enjoyed taking care of his cattle herd. He met Cindy (Jones) Hynek at the Linn Picnic. They married on March 10, 1979 and made their home in Barnes, KS. They were blessed with four children, Michelle, Kara, Brent and Marc. Larry was an amazing grandpa and “papa” to his grandchildren. He was known for his toothpick tickles and story reading! He loved attending their activities and was committed to creating memories and traditions especially finding fossils and artifacts, fishing and hunting. He was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Larry was known for his infamous gold front tooth but he was famous for his jerky. He shared it with those that he loved or it could be used to pay back a favor or for a bartering tool! He also shared countless boxes of cinnamon rolls, steaks, hamburgers, roasts and brats with those he loved. He showed his love by giving! He enjoyed a red beer made with homemade tomato juice that he and Cindy canned. If he wasn’t outside, you would find him in his recliner that he did not share with others watching the weather, Gunsmoke or the hunting channel. He knew all of the best spots for fried chicken which was his favorite. He enjoyed a game of Pinochle as long as he had a good partner as winning was important. Larry was also a prankster and loved to play a good joke on you or scare you! He is survived by his wife Cindy (Jones) Hynek, Barnes; children, Michelle Hynek (Will Nitch), Woodland Hills, CA, Kara (Jared) Sedlacek, Hanover, Brent (Jenny) Hynek, Barnes and Marc Hynek, Kansas City, MO, eight grandchildren, Billy and Stevie Nitch, Ali and Dawson Sedlacek, Ella, Mabel, Adele and Ila Hynek; sisters, Betty (Gary) McDaniel and Karen (David) Slusher, brothers, Dennis (Sondra) Hynek, Joe (Sue) Hynek, Mel (Joni) Hynek, Rick (Karen) Hynek, Kevin (Lisa) Hynek, and sister-in-laws, Paulette Hynek and Elva Hynek. Preceding him in death was his mother and father, Mary and Joseph Hynek as well as his sister Mary Hynek and brothers, Don Hynek and Jim Hynek. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Video link to Larry Hynek's funeral service Video link to Larry Hynek's committal To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Larry M. Hynek, please visit our flower store.