“A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years’ mere study of books.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Francis Raymond Hynek, 91, of La Farge (and formerly of Hillsboro), a gifted storyteller and one of life’s true characters, played his final hand on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. His three-day-a-week dialysis journey began Nov. 3, 2023, which allowed him to remain active and relatively healthy for the past 20 months. He passed peacefully at Gundersen Health System following a recent heart issue. Despite the odds, he pulled a royal flush at the finish line — just as he’d hoped — closing his eyes and slipping away quietly.

Born on April 24, 1934, on Millard’s Prairie in Juneau County, Francis was the firstborn to Frank and Agnes (Wopat) Hynek. He arrived at White City School speaking only Czech — a detail that hints at the old-world strength and deep family roots that would shape his life. By age 11, the Hynek family had moved to the former Alphonse Wopat farm near Hillsboro, and from there, Francis carved out a life as colorful and unforgettable as one of his famous stories.

After losing his father at just 13, Francis became his mother’s steadfast right hand. Together, they kept the family farm running — an invincible team of grit, love, and Czech stubbornness. They sold the horses (Nan and Dan), modernized with a tractor and bucket milkers (which, according to family lore, his sister Emily used far more than he did), and got the work done. Emily, his beloved sister, held a special place in his heart all his life.

The Riverview Ballroom in Muscoda set the stage for one of his most important dances — literally. That’s where he met Elizabeth “Betty” Ewers, the future mother of his six children. There’s nothing like a good polka to spark a lifelong partnership. Together, they raised a family, bought Hynek’s Tavern (a surprise purchase Francis announced one day with, “Betty, I bought a bar”), and rode the waves of life. Though they eventually divorced, they remained close until her passing in 2018, forever bonded by shared history and the loss of their beloved children, Paul and Jackie.

Logging was in Francis’s blood — his family were timber men, and he followed suit, working in the woods with his father, grandfather (Wencil Wopat), and Uncle Benny in the early 1940s. It was hard, dangerous work, but Francis never shied away. In 1987, he and two of his sons, Michael “FF” and Matt, founded White City Lumber Company. With endless miles of timberland scouted, auctions attended, and thousands of trees marked and hauled, Francis relished the deal-making and trusted his sons to make it all work. He was proud that Michael, Matt, Steve, Ann Birdd, and the next generation of Hynek boys all pitched in to help each other, and he enjoyed hearing about the purchases that Steve made at various auctions.

But Francis wasn’t just a businessman — he was a card shark, a sharp wit, and a walking encyclopedia. Whether it was euchre, dominoes, or poker, he played to win — but more importantly, he played for the people around the table. He was laser-focused during a hand, but once the cards were down, the stories flowed.

He had a mind like a steel trap and a memory for details that spanned decades. You could call him up with a question about something from 1947, and he’d have names, dates, and the weather that day — plus a punchline. He often answered the phone with, “Joe’s Bar,” or “Vernon County Sheriff’s Department,” before launching into a story or a well-timed gem like, “I’ll tell ya what sonny boy, if you think you’re going to drink all the beer, get all the girls, and have all the money … I got news for ya … you’re madly mistaken.” “Moderation, my boy.” “You’ll drive the wheels off your truck before you see that again.” “Where were you standing and how far could you throw it?” “You gotta use your head … you can’t be doing things like that.” “Well, I wouldn’t give you a nickel for that.” “You just wouldn’t believe it.”

He loved conversations that made people think and wasn’t shy about giving his opinion. He was a gifted speaker, a clear-eyed realist, and a lifelong reader who respected strong writing and straight talk. Whether it was a political editorial or a hunting tale from Montana, Francis brought the same insight and enthusiasm to every topic. He shared that same level of interest as a Vernon County Board District 25 Supervisor for two terms.

He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, sharp humor, and deep love for family and friends. If there’s a heaven filled with polka music, a poker table, and good conversation, that’s where you’ll find him now — probably offering someone a deal on some prime timber. We’re gonna miss you, Pa.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the Vernon Memorial Dialysis Unit, Dr. Balaji and his entire Gundersen Nephrology Team, the sixth-floor Cardiac Care Unit at Gundersen Health System, and Donna DeGarmo for being his main dialysis driver.

Survivors include his four sons, Frank “Michael/FF” (Lisa), Mark, Stephen “Steve” (Jenny), and Mathew (Ann); his grandchildren, Travis, Nathan, Annamieka, Noel, Max, Hannah, Marcus, Axton, Les Paul, Madison, Shelby, Bailey, Thomas, Jack, Samuel, Sawyer and Gunner; his special niece, Ann Birdd; and his special lady, friend, Donna DeGarmo. He held strong connections with his Rockton and Mauston card-playing buddies, who were like family to him, especially Richard Williams.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Frank and Agnes; his sister, Emily Christianson; his former spouse, Elizabeth “Betty”; his son, Paul F. Hynek; his daughter, Jacqueline Hynek-Schmitz; his grandson, Zachary Foellmi; his special friend, Amie Beaver; and his nephew, Bob Birdd.

Friends and relatives are invited for a time of visitation at the Vosseteig Funeral Home in 203 N. State Street, La Farge, Wis., on Sunday, July 13, from 1–4 p.m. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 14, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Dilly, Wis., with Rev. Monsignor Steven J. Kachel officiating. There will be a time of visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Francis will be laid to rest at the Bohemian Brotherhood, Wopat Cemetery (across the road from St. John’s) in White City, immediately following the service.

The family would like to invite all family and friends to a luncheon at the Rockton Bar following the burial.

Vosseteig Funeral Home in La Farge is serving Francis’s family.