Gary L. Hanel

Gary Louis Hanel, age 81, of North Mankato, passed from this life into eternal glory in heaven on July 9, 2023.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato. Interment will be at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery following the service. The service will be livestreamed and available at https://www.immanuelmankato.org/.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Gary was born on February 3, 1942 to Arthur and Erna (Blatterman) Hanel in Mankato, and was the third of their four sons. He became God’s child by faith through baptism on February 22, 1942 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mankato. As a young man, he served his country for 6 years in the MN National Guard.

Gary married Carol Kratzke on October 6, 1974, and together they were blessed with 6 children. After Carol passed away, he married Vivian Born on June 30, 2001, and resided with her for 22 years in rural North Mankato, MN.

He worked as an electrician and was in partnership with his father in their business of Hanel Electric. The last 15 years of his electrical career were spent at Minnesota Department of Transportation in Mankato. He retired in 2006.

Gary was musically gifted, and was accomplished at playing the piano and organ. He was a church organist for 60 years, most of that time at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Mankato where he was a longtime member.

Gary was preceded in death by his first wife, Carol; infant son, Philip; parents; brother, Jamie Hanel; and parents in law, Ray and Selma Kratzke.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian; sons, Seth (Nichole) Hanel, Matthew (Julie) Hanel and Ty Hanel; daughters, Molly Reyes and Elizabeth (Ken) Hutchins. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; brothers, Daniel (Ann) Hanel and David (Marlene) Hanel; sister in law, Willa Hanel; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Gary was a kind and gentle man. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ above all, and was confident of the Lord’s promise to him of eternal life in heaven.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15