Charles William “Duke” Hynek, 81, of Canton, passed away December 9, 2024. Duke was a proud husband, father and grandfather who had deep faith in God and dedicated his life to his beliefs as a devoted Catholic.

Duke was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1943 to parents Charles and Helen (Seng) Hynek, whom he adored and carried fond memories of throughout his life. Duke attended St. Louis University High School class of 1961 of which he had wonderful remembrances. After high school graduation, he became a Jesuit Novice at St. Stanislaus Seminary of Florrisant, MO, from 1961 to 1965 where he studied philosophy, theology and sacred scripture. After leaving the seminary, Duke began his studies at Marian University in Indianapolis, IN. He graduated in June of 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and minor in Spanish. Soon after his college graduation, Duke was accepted into the Peace Corps and planned to volunteer overseas, however, this was not to be as he was drafted into the US Army in the fall of 1967. Duke spent two years in the US Army where he worked as a Criminal Investigator. Duke earned commendations of The National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Sharpshooter (Rifle). Duke was extremely proud of the time he served in the United States Military and was forever a proud American. Eventually, Duke completed a Master of Public Administration degree at Western Michigan University and began his tenure as Clerk of Court for Kalamazoo County 8th District Court in Kalamazoo, MI. Duke went on to become the Federal Clerk of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan in Grand Rapids, MI, until he retired in 1996. After this retirement, Duke and Pat returned back to the St. Louis, MO, area and Duke began his work as Charitable Fundraiser at The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL. In 2003, Duke and Pat moved back to Michigan for the final time. Duke began working for Real Estate One as a realtor, but found the Real Estate One Charitable Foundation to be more gratifying and worked diligently as a fundraiser for the foundation’s many charities. This brought Duke extreme happiness and joy.   

It was during Duke’s service time that he met Patricia Ann Bruneau, who was also serving in the US Army, and would become his loving wife of 54 years. The two were married in The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, on September 12, 1970. They quickly started a family, first welcoming their son, Chuck, then, daughter, Kristen, and finally their youngest daughter Catherine. The children were raised in both Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, MI, where the family created lasting memories playing tons of baseball and softball and spent much time with wonderful neighbors and friends.

Duke’s most favorite role was that of grandpa. This was never more apparent than when his first grandchild, Attie, was born. They had an unbreakable bond that was always evident. Grandpa treasured being a part of Attie’s life in every way. He loved listening to Attie sing and perform in theatre productions, and was so proud of her art work and talent. Duke also treasured his time with granddaughters Molly, Maeve and Meaghan, and loved being their “Pa Duke.” Pa Duke never failed to make the 11-12 hour drive from Michigan to NY to see his granddaughters for their birthdays, holidays and summer vacations. He especially loved watching their sporting events, always cheering them on and was extremely proud of their accomplishments.

Duke was an active member of St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. His charitable spirit extended far beyond his religious commitments, as he supported numerous organizations with unwavering generosity, including the Alzheimer’s Society, Irish Pallottine Fathers, Special Olympics, Leukemia Foundation, Relay for Life, and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

Everyone who knew Duke knew how much he loved sports, especially, baseball. His favorite MLB team was the St. Louis Cardinals and he was privileged to attend many games in Bush Stadium over his lifetime. For Duke, two major highlights were attending St. Louis Cardinals World Series Championship games in 1967 and 2006. Duke would also like it noted that The Cardinals have won 11 World Series titles in 1926, 1931, 1934, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1964, 1967, 1982, 2006 and 2011.

Duke’s legacy is defined by his kindness, compassion, outgoing personality, silly sense of humor, as well as, his commitment to family and faith. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Duke was the beloved husband of Patricia for 54 years. Loving father of Chuck (Lucia) Hynek, Kristen (Daniel) Keane and Cat Hynek. Proud grandfather of Attie, Molly, Maeve, Meaghan, and the late Luke Pietro. Dearest brother of Lee (the late James) Gunn and George (Sue) Hynek and brother-in-law of Cliff, the late William, Jimmy and Michael Bruneau. He will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation for Duke will be held Monday, December 16th, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Road, Canton. He will lie in state on Tuesday, December 17th, at 10:00 a.m., until the time of his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 S. Lilley Rd., Canton. Burial to follow the funeral mass at Rural Hill Cemetery, 215 7 Mile Rd, Northville, Michigan, 48167.

Memorial donations in the name of Charles William Duke Hynek may be made to the following organizations:

https://reocharitablefoundation.org/donate/

https://www.irishpallottines.org/donations/

A livestream and recording of the Knights of Columbus Rosary Service can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/live/5jaXj3jZz_E?si=zvM6ApNAlr-jh3CW

A livestream and recording of the Funeral Mass can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/live/7PvJ3ciZhio?si=PYvWBGp_PPonoUIY