H. Matthew Hanenkrath

Hal Matthew "Matt" Hanenkrath, age 40 of Ayersville, suddenly passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital.   
  
He was born on August 4, 1982 to Hal and Lori (Duerk) Hanenkrath in Defiance, Ohio. Matt was a 2001 graduate of Ayersville High School where he participated in football and baseball. On April 11, 2009 he married Ashley (Stork) Hanenkrath, who survives. 

Matt was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. He has faithfully served as Fire Chief for South Richland Volunteer Fire Department  and Assistant Chief for Highland Township Volunteer Fire Department. In 2016 he was appointed Director for Defiance County 911 Communications Center. He was dedicated to helping others and serving his community. He was the President of Ayersville Board of Education, and enjoyed his time spent coaching girl's softball in Ayersville for his daughter's teams and was an Assistant Coach for the Ayersville High School football team. Matt was a loving and caring husband, father, son and brother and he treasured his time spent with the kids. He was a huge fan of the Michigan Wolverines, Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Indians. He will be sadly missed by his family, colleagues and many good friends.
  
Matt is survived by his loving wife Ashley of Ayersville, his children, Haleigh, Brynn and Bentley Hanenkrath, his mother Lori Hanenkrath of Ayersville, two brothers, Joshua Hanenkrath of Ayersville and Kurt (Jayde) Hanenkrath of Defiance, and seven nieces and nephews. 
  
He was preceded in death by his father, Hal Hanenkrath.

His wife Ashley would like to extend her sincere thanks and gratitude to the emergency responders, medical providers, and good friends during this difficult time.
  
Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at the Defiance Elementary School gymnasium, 400 Carter Road. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 3, 2023 at the Defiance Elementary School, with additional visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 am. Rev. Kurt Mews will officiate the service. Burial will follow the service at Ayersville Cemetery. 

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements. 
  
Memorials are suggested to a Trust Fund for the children, c/o Ashley Hanenkrath.