Sandra K. Hynek, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay.
Sandra was born on September 5, 1944 in Manitowoc, to the late Rudolph and Lillian (Fronk) Howarth. She graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School with the class of 1963. On August 22, 1964 she married Edward Hynek at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Their journey through life together was one of love and devotion to each other and family. Edward preceded her in death on December 1, 2022.
Over the years, Sandra was best known for her employment in Manitowoc at Pizza Garden, the Colonial Inn, Sears, U.S. Bank, and Copps Food Center. Sandra was very involved with the Manitowoc Senior Center in the 70’s, and even designed the sign. For many years she managed to find time to be a Den Mother for Boy Scouts, be an avid Roller Skater (which she passed on to all her sons), refinish furniture and antiques, collect buttons, play Gin with anyone brave, plan class reunions, weave wheat, plant flowers, relish her self-proclaimed “Yahtzee Queen” title, and was well-known for her artistic talents including drawing and painting. She loved listening to NPR. She was the keeper of the family recipes, passed down through generations. Her culinary skills were unforgettable. You never had to ask Sandy for a joke, as she always had one to tell!
Sandra’s biggest passion spanned over 45 years, her passion for genealogy. Sparked by her son’s genealogy Boy Scouts merit badge, she spent decades tracing the family tree centuries back. Her research led her to association with Wisconsin Czechs, Local Genealogy and Czech organizations, Ethnic Groups, and climaxed with a trip to Prague, Czech Republic. Sandy even took classes to learn how to speak the Czech language and also published information on genealogy. She spent long hours in libraries, cemeteries, online, and her amazing work created a family tree chart that took up the whole side of a barn at the first family reunion that she planned and organized.
Sandra is survived by her 4 Sons and Daughters-in-law: Rudi (Sondra) Hynek, Jon (Christine) Hynek, Craig Hynek (Becky Johnson), and Chris (Lisa) Hynek; 6 Grandchildren: Ryan Hynek, Lindsey Hynek (Rob), Christopher (Danielle) Boladeres, Sandra Rutledge, Andrew (Lexi) Hynek, and Jon II (Callie) Hynek; 8 Great Grandchildren: Julien, Paisley, Tegan, Jonah, Ezra, Amelia, Grace, and Henry; One Brother: Alfred (Mary Ellen) Howarth; 3 Nieces: Lynn, Susan, and Christine; 2 Nephews: Mark and David; and her most special dog, Lady, who she loved dearly. Other relatives, and many friends further survive. She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years: Edward Hynek; her Parents: Rudolph and Lillian Howarth, and a Stepfather: Gordon Schultz.
Her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren were her joy in life.
A Memorial service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 S. 14th St, at 6:00 pm. Relatives and friends may greet the family from 3:00 pm until the time of service at 6:00 pm. Sandra and Edward will be laid to rest together at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.
