Francis W. Hecht, 84, of Seneca, KS, died Thursday, April 6, 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 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 nine miles north and 3/4-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 Du Bois 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 seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Hecht, and a brother, Wilbert “Bill” Hecht.

Funeral service will be Monday, April 10, at 10:30 AM at the Friedens United Church of Christ. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Family will meet with friends from 5 to 8 PM on Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for Friedens Church or the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, and sent in care of the family.