In Memory of Emil J. Hiykel
Emil J. Hiykel, age 76, of Ida Grove, Iowa, took his Lord and Saviors hand on Friday, October 11, 2024, at his home.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation held two hours prior from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Arthur Evangelical Free Church of Arthur, Iowa. Pastor David Schultz will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by McNamara-Moore Post No. 61 of the American Legion of Ida Grove, Iowa.
The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com
Emil J. Hiykel, took his Lord and Savior’s hand on October 11, 2024, at his home in Ida Grove, Iowa. Born on February 1, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska, Emil was the son of Fay J.G. and Marie C. (Rotolo) Hiykel. He was baptized in infancy and re-baptized in his faith in 2011 at the Country Bible Church of Blair, Nebraska.
Growing up in Omaha, Emil graduated from Tech High with the class of 1966. After high school, he enlisted into the United States Navy on June 19, 1967, serving his country during the Vietnam War. Emil was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and Combat Action Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in June of 1970.
After returning home, Emil worked as a police officer with the Omaha Police Department, while furthering his education at the University of Nebraska Omaha, graduating with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. After ten years with the Police Department, Emil transitioned to a career with the United States Postal Service for 26 years, where he was a manager in customer service until he retired in 2008. Emil relocated to Ida Grove, Iowa, to be closer to his daughter Lyndsay and his beloved granddaughters Marley and Bailey.
Emil was very active in the communities that he lived in. He served as Vice President of the Omaha Toastmasters, past President of Benson Commercial Club, past President and Treasurer of the Omaha Phoenician Club, and past President of the Midwest Federation of American Syrian/Lebanese Club. Emil was a mentor with the Teammates Mentoring Program in Blair, Nebraska. He was a member of the Arthur Evangelical Free Church, volunteer for the Arthur EFC AWANA program, American Legion Life Member - currently serving as the First Vice Commander, VFW Life Member, U.S.S. Sphinx ARL 24 crew member & Reunion Alumni, and was a proud veteran to ride on the Honor Flight in May of 2023.
Emil was a kind, caring, and generous man. He was devoted to volunteering and contributing to many causes that were dear to him including St. Jude Hospital, the Peru Cemetery Auxiliary, and the Midwest Federation of American Syrian/Lebanese Club’s scholarship fund in memory of his son, Justin, receiving the Eagle Award for his contribution. He also found great pleasure in his morning routine of eating breakfast and reading the newspaper at a local restaurant, frequently covering the bill for someone else’s breakfast quietly. His sense of humor, love of watching football, family, and fishing all brought joy to his life.
Not only a faithful servant to the Lord, Emil was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him, especially the ones who called him “Papa”.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter Lyndsay (Rory) Lindberg and their daughters Marley and Bailey of Ida Grove, IA; daughter-in-law Theresa Westfall of Peru, NE; ex-wife Sandra Hiykel of Ida Grove, IA; sisters Patty Svenningsen of Blair, NE, Marie Hiykel of Omaha, NE and Virginia (Stanley) Horrell of Omaha, NE; brother Fay (Margee) Hiykel Jr. of Blair, NE; sisters-in-law Ardelle Hiykel and Saundra Hiykel both of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law Ray Crisman of Omaha, NE; extended family and friends.
Emil was preceded in death by his parents Fay J.G. and Marie C. (Rotolo) Hiykel; son Justin S. Hiykel; brothers Joseph Hiykel and Raymond Hiykel; sisters Pauline Griffin/Wilson, Alice Kline, Kathy Erickson, and Loretta Suverkrubbe; and brother-in-law Arne Svenningsen.
SERVICES
11:00 a.m., Friday, October 18, 2024
Arthur Evangelical Free Church
Arthur, Iowa
Link to video of the funeral service: https://youtu.be/_SpSb2_3KuY
OFFICIATING
Pastor David Schultz
CASKET BEARERS
Jeff Hiykel
Matthew Hiykel
Mitch Sorensen
Tom Quaas
Arne Svenningsen, Jr.
Chris Svenningsen
Honorary Pallbearers
Marley Lindberg
Bailey Lindberg
VISITATION
*Two Hours Prior*
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday, October 18, 2024
Arthur Evangelical Free Church
Arthur, Iowa
MUSIC
"Just Be Held"
"He's Alive"
"I Can Only Imagine"
INTERMENT
Ida Grove Cemetery
Ida Grove, Iowa
Military Rites Conducted By:
McNamara-Moore Post No. 61
of the American Legion
Condolences
With heartfelt sympathy,
Lakresha Bell and Destynie (Jenkins) Sewell”
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this tough time. Sending many thoughts and prayers to you all! ”
Mose Howard”
I first met Emil in1965 when we attended the same high school (Tech High) in Omaha. We attended many of the same classes together.
We lost touch for a few years when we each joined the Navy after high school during the Vietnam War, but we resumed contact later.
Emil and I both worked at (and retired from) the Post Office in Omaha NE
I used to see Emil at the VA Hospital in Omaha quite frequently and we had some good talks, laughs and shared many stories and memories.
I'm proud to have known him and to count him as a "Friend". He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Emil. May God bless you and watch over your family.”
Your dad's kindness, generosity, and unwavering support touched so many lives, and I feel fortunate to have known him. He had a way of making people feel valued and cared for, and I can only imagine the profound impact he had on your life as such a loving father. I remember when I first met him at Dana and all the events he would attend in support. He was so great to my kids. I'll never forget his sense of humor too. Always good for a chuckle. I pray you find peace in knowing he is healed and spending eternity with Jesus. Please know that I’m here for you—whether you need someone to listen, sit with you in silence, or help in any way. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love you friend!”