Donald Kenneth Hanzek

 DONALD KENNETH HANZEK

Dr. Donald K. Hanzek, 94, entered his eternal rest on July 14, 2025. Don did the New York Times Sunday puzzles in ink: no need for an eraser, he got it right the first time. Don was a natural teacher, and he spent a lifetime passing along his seemingly endless wisdom and knowledge. As a police officer in Detroit and East Lansing, he literally wrote the book on how to write police reports. Don taught French and English in Bath, Cheboygan, and Brooklyn; he went on to teach English and police report writing at Ferris State University. Don taught many Reed City high schoolers how to ski (though none ever matched his effortless grace). He taught his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to live with dignity, curiosity, and laughter.

The most important thing he ever got right was marrying Myrtle Stevens. For seventy-two years Don and his beloved Mickie showed us all the meaning of the words, “for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health.” He was her caretaker to her final breath, and the year he spent without her was the hardest of his life. Don looked forward to seeing her again in eternity, and although we will miss him terribly, we are glad to let him go to her, and grateful for a life that was lived with integrity and written in ink.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, parents, eight brothers, six sisters, and a great-grandson. He is survived by his daughter, Laurel (Phililp) Tousley; son, Steven (Gail) Hanzek; grandchildren: Jeremy (Jennifer) Peters, Briony (Michael) Desotell, Carrie Hanzek, Rachel Hanzek, Lillian Hanzek; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

A private graveside celebration of life will be held at a later date. If you wish to honor Don’s memory, support your local library and remember to keep reading.

 Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City