Howard Hynek

Howard Hynek was born January 19, 1930, at Wilber, NE to Adolph and Mollie (Svarc) Hynek. He passed away July 13, 2024, at Heritage Care Center in Fairbury, NE.

When Howard was 12 years old the family bought a farm south of Endicott, NE across the Kansas state line. He attended country school then graduated from Hollenburg High School in 1947. He worked for Rice Family Farms and in 1950 enlisted into the army to the 196th Battalion out of Aberdene, SD. On December 29, 1950, he married Pauline Henderson of Morrowville, KS on a 3-day pass. In 1951, he was transferred to Anchorage, Alaska. While stationed in Alaska, Howard Mitchell (Mick) was born.

After Howard's time in the service, they moved to Fairbury, NE and worked for Trindell Sinclar for 15 years. During that time, Howard fulfilled a dream. He and Pauline bought a farm south of Endicott, NE. Howard worked out while farming, working at a gas station, as rural mail carrier and Consolidated Sand and Gravel, up until his retirement at age 62. From that time on he just farmed and took care of his cattle, that he enjoyed. He had all his cows spoiled so when they heard the pickup they came on a run. Howard enjoyed the land in his later years. You would see him out in the pasture with his gator cutting evergreen tree. He always said that was his time to think about everything. In April 2023 Howard moved to the Heritage Nursing Home.

Howard loved his family and especially when the grandkids and great grandkids started showing up. Howard enjoyed watching them show livestock and other activities. He enjoyed playing cards, square dancing and most of all the neighborhood coffees in the mornings. He never turned down a good catfish fry. He was always willing to help others when needed. He was a man who worked hard, had grit, was tough as nails and had love for others.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Molly, daughter-in-law Dawn, great grandson Levi Hynek, great grandson-in-law Justin Kunc and sister-in-law Pat Hynek.

Howard is survived by wife Pauline of Fairbury, sons Mick and wife Diane of Endicott, Brad of Western, brothers Adolph and wife Lorene of Lincoln, Glenn of Lincoln, sister Sharon and husband Ervin Grams of Hollenburg, KS, five grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, July 24 at 11:00 am at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Chapel in Fairbury. A luncheon will be served at the VFW following the service. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com