Hal M. Hanenkrath

Hal M. Hanenkrath, age 69 of Defiance, passed away on Thursday evening, May 19, 2022 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.   
  
He was born on July 22, 1952 to the late Elwood and Muriel (Arnold) Hanenkrath in Defiance, Ohio. On December 8, 1979 he married Lori (Duerk) Hanenkrath, who survives. 

Hal was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church. He was a 1970 graduate of Ayersville High School, earned his Associates Degree from Defiance College in 1974, and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1975. Hal was a partner at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home for 42 years until his retirement in 2012. Hal was a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association. He possessed a soft heart for the countless families he was called to serve in their time of need. Hal enjoyed his years spent coaching baseball in Defiance and Ayersville over the years. He was passionate about his involvement with Highland Township Fire Department, serving for over 35 years, and was Chief from 1989 to 2002. His leisure time was spent with his family and at his cottage at Coldwater Lake. Hal was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be sadly missed by his family, colleagues and many good friends.
  
Hal is survived by his loving wife Lori Hanenkrath of Defiance, his sons; Matthew (Ashley)  Hanenkrath, Joshua Hanenkrath and Kurt (Jayde) Hanenkrath, nine grandchildren; Haleigh, Brynn, Bentley, Palmer, Pasyn, Paxtyn, Cade, Addisyn and Dace, his brother, Elwood "Skip" (Susan) Hanenkrath of Tennessee, and his sister, Kathy (Albert) Seimet of Defiance.  
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother.
  
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church, with Pastor Kurt Mews officiating. Burial will follow the service at Ayersville Cemetery. 
  
Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
  

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