Maynard E. Hanel, 69, of Burlington, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.
Born February 2, 1953, in Dickenson, North Dakota, he was the son of Jerry and Margaret Kovash Hanel. As a child, he moved to Livingston, Montana, graduated Park High School (class of ’71) with Beverly “Boopie” Craig (class of ’72), and the two married on June 8, 1974. Maynard worked for BNSF Railroad for 40+ years, until his retirement in February 2013.
Maynard was a simple man that always sported a white t-shirt with a soft pack of Marlboro Red cigarettes in the pocket, slicked-back hair, and a pair of Levi Jeans… A true “James Dean type” of the era. Even when donning a full-leg cast, you could either find him riding around on his motorcycle or driving around in his 1975 Oldsmobile 442.
Maynard was a steadfast son, a loyal brother, an occasionally reckless teenager, a devoted husband, an unconditionally loving father, an adoring grandfather, a true and loyal friend, and a relentless self-proclaimed life lesson prophet.
“You can’t win if you don’t play.”, “If you don’t eat, starve!”, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.”, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”, and “The way you make your bed is the way you sleep in it.” … If anyone that knew him turned the repetition of these life lessons into a drinking game, you too might be composing your own obituary.
He loved to fish and camp at Yellowstone River with his sons and brother during the family’s annual pilgrimage to Montana, have beers with friends, play Left, Right, Center with his sister, and farm the best “Hanel Spuds”. Even when providing was tough, he always provided.
He lived his life authentically and unapologetically. He instilled the valuable wisdom that people won’t always, and don’t need to, agree with you… If you disagreed with his gambling habits, chiminea usage, late-night enjoyment of fireworks with the kids, absurdly loud music (typically The Doors), or any other of his questionable life decisions, you likely found yourself on the receiving end of a middle finger. He taught his sons resilience and to always live the most authentic versions of themselves.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Hanel of Burlington, Iowa, and four sons: Clinton Hanel of Burlington, Trevor Hanel (Surria) of Cedar Rapids, Ryan Hanel of Burlington, and Jared Hanel of Seattle, Wash.; one granddaughter: Skylie Hanel of Burlington, Iowa; two brothers: Alvin Hanel (Mickey) of Perkins, Okla. and Arne Hanel of Burlington; sister-in-law Kathie Hanel of Alamosa, Colo.; brother-in-law Gary Tecca of Burlington; and his many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Larry Hanel of Alamosa, Colo., sister Shirley Tecca of Burlington, brother Joseph Hanel, and sister Rita Hanel.
Following his wishes, there will not be a service, but well-wishers are encouraged to write a note of farewell on an Old Style, Corona, or your favorite beer case and drink it in his honor. You may then bring this message to the official celebration of life gathering, which will be held at a later date.
While he was baptized Catholic, he was never one for sentiment or religiosity, but he wanted you to know that if he owes you a beer, and if you can find him in Heaven, he will gladly allow you to buy him another.
According to his wishes, cremation has been accorded and entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.