Norbert Hynek, age 96, passed peacefully with family by his side on January 10, 2026, in Mequon, WI.  Our kind and loving father and grandfather was born in Milwaukee on June 6, 1929.  He grew up in Menomonee Falls and graduated from Menomonee Falls High School in 1947.  A proud Wisconsin Badger, he attended UW, where he was a part of the Army ROTC, graduating in 1952.  

During a summer break, he met the love of his life, Amber Rohrscheib, at Gonring’s Dance Hall on Big Cedar Lake. They married on September 6, 1952, at Fort Eustis, Virginia, where he was stationed as a Lieutenant in the Army Transportation Corps. He served at the Port of Embarkation in New York and later at the Port of Inchon during the Korean War. He continued as a reservist until 1960, retiring with the rank of Captain.  

Back in Milwaukee, Norb and Amber started a family and built a robust life together.  Jean was born in 1956, and David in 1959.  The family spent much of their life in Glendale, where Norb served the community, beginning as the Building Inspector. Later he was elected as Alderman, and finally Mayor for 18 years.  A popular leader, he ran for Mayor unopposed after his first term and retired in 1991. Norb also held positions as Safety Director for the Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee, President of the Masonry Institute of Wisconsin, and Director of Safety for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District. He served as President of the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau and was on the board of directors for the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

At work, Norb was dedicated, driven, and diligent. At home, he found time for many outside interests.  He and Amber loved to dance and could often be found wherever there was live music.  He enthusiastically backed the Wisconsin sports teams, in particular Badger football (where he played for one year), the Green Bay Packers (a shareholder), the Brewers, and the Bucks. They traveled throughout the US and the world, but especially loved Hawaii.  Time at their “Up Norb” cabin and winter home in Florida, was precious to them.

Norb loved his family dearly and was proud of his two children, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.  He was a down-on-the-floor grandpa, always playing with the kids.  One could never tell who was having more fun, Grandpa, or the kids. In May of 2016, he had the time of his life taking a Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington DC with his son, David.

A lifelong and devout Roman Catholic, he actively practiced his faith. He was known for his kind, softspoken and personable ways. So often, we hear him described as “such a sweet man.” While serving in Korea he was a volunteer at the Star of the Sea Orphanage run by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.

Preceded in death by his dear wife of 67 years, Amber, parents Frank and Meta Hynek, brothers John and Richard, sisters-in-law Marlene Leonard, Katie and Shirley Hynek, and brother-in-law Floyd Leonard.

He is survived by daughter Jean (Michael) Oberle, son David (Anne) Hynek, grandchildren Timothy (Marit) Oberle, Amy (Douglas) Wetterlin, Juliana Hynek (fiancé Jon), and great-grandchildren Ingrid, Rosalie, Alma, and John, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10280 N Port Washington Road, Mequon from 2 PM until the time of Funeral Service at 3:30 PM.  Private entombment at Wisconsin Memorial Park.  Many thanks to the kind people at Teal Shores in Mequon for their care and friendship. In lieu of flowers, donations to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight of Wisconsin would be appreciated. 

https://www.starsandstripeshonorflight.org/donate/

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21