Eldene Kay “Sue” Hayek

Eldene Kay “Sue” Hayek, 67 of Reinbeck, passed away Monday, December 26, 2011 at her home in Reinbeck while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011 at St. Gabriel Church in Reinbeck, Iowa. Burial will follow at St. Gabriel Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at the French-Hand Funeral Home in Reinbeck. Memorials may be directed to the family. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.abelsfuneralhomes.com.

Sue was born on January 13, 1944 in Oelwein, Iowa, the daughter of John and Irene (Bencke) Smock. She grew up in Oelwein and graduated from the State College of Iowa; now known as UNI in 1966 with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. Sue was united in marriage to Ron Hayek on July 22, 1967 at Scared Heart Church in Oelwein, Iowa. They made their home in Reinbeck shortly thereafter and welcomed three sons into their family.

Sue was a 4th grade elementary school teacher for 34 years at Reinbeck Elementary and retired in 2002.

Sue was a founder of the 4th Grade Camp at Reinbeck Elementary. She received the 2001 Excellence in Education Award issued by the Iowa State Education Association. Sue was an active member of St. Gabriel Church, member of the Legion Auxiliary and the Reinbeck Women’s Club.

Sue is survived by her husband Ron; sons, Chris (Kristi) Hayek of Charlotte, N.C., Sean Hayek of Davenport, Iowa and Daniel Hayek of Valdosta, Ga.; grandchildren Matthew Hayek, Benjamin Hayek and Alexis Dowden-Hayek; sister Arlene (Gary) Schima of Jesup, Iowa and brother Rex (Nancy) Wilsen of Sun Lakes, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Mike Smock.