Francis W. Hecht

Francis W. Hecht, 84, of Seneca, died Thursday, April 06, 2006, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.
     He was born January 1, 1922, on the family homestead north of Seneca, the son of Emil and Rosa Siske Hecht. He graduated from Union School, District #8, and from the Seneca Public High School in 1940.
.    On June 15, 1947, he married Silvia Kalina at Friedens Church, north of Seneca. They farmed, raised hogs and beef cattle 9 miles north and 3/4 of a mile west of Seneca. Francis enjoyed farming and taking care of livestock and continued to help on the farm after his retirement.
     He was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ and served on the church council. Francis also served 30 years as the clerk of Nemaha Township from 1960 to 1990. Francis and Silvia were members of the DuBois Square Dance Club for several years. They traveled to see their children and also went on tours to England, Europe, and Hawaii. For many years, Francis enjoyed raising a large garden.
     Survivors besides his wife Silvia of the home are three sons, Donald Hecht of Carmel, IN, William “Bill” Hecht and Robert “Bob” Hecht, both of Seneca; two daughters, Janet Hanway of Stamford, CT and Sheila Radecki of Springfield, MO; a sister, Viannah Wicki of Kilgore, TX; 12 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
     He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Hecht, and a brother, Wilbert “Bill” Hecht.
     Funeral services will be Monday, April 10, at 10:30 AM at the Friedens United Church of Christ. The burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will meet with friends on Sunday from 5 to 8 PM at the Lauer Funeral Home, where he will lie in state after 8:30 AM on Sunday.
     Memorials may be given for the church or for the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, and sent in care of the family.