In Memory

Sara Senne (Hischke)

In Loving Memory of

Sara J. Hischke

1944 - 2021

Sara J. Hischke, 76, Topeka, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021.

She was born December 17, 1944, the daughter of Harry G. and Margaret K. (Miller) Senne. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1962 and attended Washburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority. While at Washburn, she met Ted Hischke and they were married on November 28, 1964 in Topeka.

Sara worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, then taking time off to raise her children, and later went back to work as an optometric assistant for several Topeka optometrists.

She was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.E.O. Chapter HG of Topeka, Junior League of Topeka, Junior League of Topeka Sustainers, and Meals on Wheels, serving meals and on the board. She was also very active with Washburn University from the Alumni Association to the Ichabod Club, and the Topeka Ski club. Sara was a founding member of Collins Park 4th of July Parade; celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year.

Survivors include her children, Amy (David) Birch-Sherraden and Martin Hischke; three grandchildren, Bodie Hischke, Elizabeth Birch, and Everett Birch; brother, Scott Senne; and numerous extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and son-in-law, Chris Birch.

Sara had a love for holiday decorating, sharing that love with many local offices in Topeka. She was an avid Kansas City Royals fan and KU Basketball fan. She loved gardening and being in her yard. She also enjoyed playing bridge, hosting luncheons, and bringing smiles and joy to all who knew her.

Memorial services will be 11am, Monday, August 23, 2021, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 901 SW Fillmore, Topeka. Private inurnment, along with her husband Ted, will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 2134 SW Westport Dr., Topeka, KS 66614.



 
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08/15/21 07:22 PM #1    

Rosemary E. McGirr (Smith)

For the past few months Jane Sewell and I have been having dinner with Sara. Wonderful times, Sara was always taking talking happily about her daughter Amy, husband David and her two children Everett and Elizabeth. Last time we were driven to see their new home and pool. It was her greatest joy talking about her family

08/18/21 07:58 AM #2    

Mary Kay Perry (Magerkurth)

I was very sadden to hear of Sara's passing. She was a true friend to all of her 1962 classmates. She will be missed by many. 


08/18/21 10:03 AM #3    

Marcia B. Baughman (Smith)

I was devastated to hear of Sara’s passing. She and I became best friends in kindergarten. We did everything together from sleep-overs, walking to school, going to camp,etc. There were a number of years while we were both busy raising our families that we lost touch, but when we reconnected some 30 years ago it was like no time had passed at all. Her parents are buried next to mine in Mount Hope Chapel Mausoleum; she was so thoughtful to always change the seasonal flowers for my folks when she changed those for her parents. She truly had a big heart. We had one of our many 2-hour visits just a few weeks ago. As usual, we talked about everything. One thing from that conversation that stands out in my mind now is that, when we were in 6th grade, we made a cake for my grandfather’s 80th birthday. We put 80 candles on it and lit all of them — he was delighted! We laughed that it wouldn’t be too long before we’d be having 80 candles on our own birthday cakes. Sadly, Sara will not have that opportunity. She may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. She was one of a kind and we will all miss her tremendously. 

 

08/19/21 10:53 AM #4    

Paul W. (P. J. ) Anderson

Each classmate's death strikes a blow to my heart---Sars's more so than many.  After losing contact with my 1962 classmates, I finally attended our 50th reunion.  Sara was the first person I saw along the first one  who greeted me as I entered arrived for our gala reception at Lake Shawnee.  I could not possibly have felt more at home. and no one had aged at all---especially Sara.  I honestly felt that if it were possible to pluck the entire class from the THS hallways 1962 ago to return 50 years later, it would have been exactly the same with the unmatched warmth and camaraderie I experienced at that moment.  Having been unable to leave Spain for our 55th, I immediately  promised to ensure the 60th would not find me wanting---and, I expected to see Sara once again at that time.  This is crushing news for me, along with all others, I am sure..  My sincerest condolences to Sara's family, and to all of us who have known and will miss her.  PJA


08/19/21 03:30 PM #5    

Marty Mills (Shepherd)

Marty Mills (Shepherd)

I was shocked and very sad to hear Sara had passed away.

Sara and I grew up together at Shawnee Country Club spending a day each week all summer having golf lessons, playing golf, having lunch, and swimming all afternoon.  A few times, we were even opponents at golf.

We both went to Randolph Elementary,  Boswell Jr Hign, Topeka High School, and we both pledged Alpha Phi at Washburn University..  I recall we even double dated a time or two and at least once Ted was in the picture.

We have a house at Lake Wabaunsee and we come back often from CA to be here.  I had a standing invitation to give Sara a little notice that I was going to be in town and she said she'd have a luncheon or maybe a bridge game when I was here.  Sadly I think time has run out on that kind invitation.  I'm so sorry I missed it.

Sara, we all thank you for all you did for our class and our many reunions!  We all truely owe you a debt of gratitude!  You will be remembered and missed by all of us!  I guess that is about the best memorial a person could possibly have!!

 

 


08/20/21 08:55 AM #6    

Patricia Fisher (Jackson)

i too  , attented  school  from  kindergarden   on   with sara.... talk  abut  a  piece of  your  own  life  disappering   sooo  sad... sara  was   just always  here..i cannot  explain  how i  am  feeling..   

trish   fisher  jackson


08/20/21 12:19 PM #7    

Thomas H. Grimes

I'm saddened to learn of Sara's passing. She has always been the anchor to keeping all of us together. 


08/20/21 05:40 PM #8    

Bill Reed

Sara's passing is a blow to us all and our hometown!  She was small in stature big Big in everything she did for our class and Topeka RE: Collins Neighborhood!  We classmates will miss her and her standbye helpers will miss her more.  Thank You Sara and Godspeed!  Until we see You again.

 


08/21/21 01:54 PM #9    

Diane (Lea) Hirschberg (Waanders)

I have to add my shock and sadness at learning of Sara's sudden passing.  Even though I didn't know her that well personally, her death has rocked me more than I expected, because she was OUR rock.  I echo what PJ said about not even questioning that Sara would be there to greet all of us for our 60th.   My hat is off to you, Sara, for all you did for us, and that you did for every organization that you were a part of!  A life well lived!  And now you get to be with your sweet husband, Ted. May your family be comforted by that thought.  You will certainly be toasted by all of us at the 60th!!!   Godspeed.    Diane (Lea) Waanders 

 


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