Matthew A. Hynes

Matthew Austin Hynes, 84 of O'Neill, died Saturday, March 18 2023 at the Norfolk Veteran's Home in Norfolk.

Visitation was held Friday, March 24, 2023 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a parish rosary.

Memorial services were held Saturday, March 25, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. Fr. Bernard Starman officiated.

Burial was in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill with military honors provided by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Matthew was born Oct. 1, 1938, in O'Neill, to Matthew and Helen (Rotherham) Hynes, where he joined four older siblings. He attended St. Mary's Catholic Academy and graduated in 1956. 

Matt learned to play pool at his father's pool hall and always loved a good game. 

Shortly after graduating high school, Matt joined the US Air Force. 

In 1965, he married Mardelle (Vitt) Dennis. They later divorced.

  Matt enjoyed a long career in electronics living in various places like Albuquerque, NM, El Paso, Texas and Sabetha, KS. O'Neill was always home. 

In 1981, Matt had a debilitating car accident and was in the hospital for three months. He then was able to see all of his kids through St. Mary's Catholic High School and attend all of their activities. 

He was a good friend to all and would help out whenever possible. He always loved playing cards with family or friends. 

Matt worked on Keno machines when they first started showing up in bars and restaurants throughout Nebraska. He loved traveling around the state to fix the machines. Nebraska was his home! 

In 2003, Matt had a stroke that affected the right side of his body and his speech. He was blessed to have a compassionate caregiver, Cheryl Mueller, for many years before going to the Veterans Nursing Home in Norfolk.

Matt loved to go to a good auction and find treasures. He collected rare coins, arrowheads and rattlers. He loved his Irish heritage. A loving father, grandfather, son, brother and favorite uncle to many. He will be remembered and loved for years to come.

Matt is survived by his three children Martin Hynes, Kathleen (Keith) Hauter and Shawn Hynes; three grandchildren Austin, Megan and Elizabeth Hauter; two siblings Terry Hynes and Liz (Jim) Spitzenberger; one sister-in-law Bonnie Hynes; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings Pat (Kay) Hynes, John (Jean) Hynes, Bill Hynes, Margaret (Dale) Nissen and Mary (Louie) Genereux; and one sister-in-law Marilyn Hynes.