Kenneth Henry Hanela
Kenneth Henry Hanela, 70 of Makinen/Virginia went home to the Lord on Thursday, September 2, 2010. He was a quiet Christian man who chose to share God’s infinite love and mercy through his lifestyle example. Memorial Services will be Monday, September 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation is one hour prior at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Virginia, MN. Pastor Donald Norr will be officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the North Sandy Cemetery.
Ken was born October 24, 1939 in Virginia to John “Jack” and Mathilda (Kauppila) Hanela. He grew up in Sandy Township near Big Rice Lake. Ken graduated in 1958 from Embarrass High School where he participated in basketball, football, baseball and track. Following graduation he entered the Marine Corps, and served with the 11th Marines from 1958 to 1961. After his honorable discharge Ken completed the IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship in 1973 and was employed as an electrician in the local area on various projects. He retired from Hanford Nuclear Energy Site, Richland, WA in 1994 and IBEW Local #294, Hibbing, MN in 1998.
Ken married Carol Hitner in July 1968 and was blessed with daughter Wendy and son Craig. In December 1978 he married Debbie (McGillivray) Bozicevich and became step-dad to Alan Bozicevich Jr and Amy Bozicevich.
Ken enjoyed spending time with family (especially the grand-kids) and friends, being at the cabin, traveling, blueberry picking, crossword puzzles, puttering in his shed and delighting in all of God’s marvelous creations. Ken worshiped the Lord with the family at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Virginia, MN. He was a member of IBEW Local #294 Hibbing, MN for almost 40 years and American Legion Post 239, Virginia, MN.
The family extends a special thank you to the compassionate personnel at North Star Hospice and Range Respite.
Survivors: Wife/Best Friend/Caregiver- Debbie Hanela, Makinen/Virginia; Daughter-Wendy (Todd) Rork and children Ellie and Aidan, Arlington, WA; Son-Craig (Margarita Pinzon) Hanela, North Bend, WA; Stepson-Alan (Paula) Bozicevich Jr., Embarrass, MN; Stepdaughter-Amy Bozicevich and son Matt (Grandpa’s best buddy), Virginia, MN; Brothers: John (Lorraine) Hanela, Tower, MN, Harley Hanela, Virginia, MN
Sisters: Shirley (Harold) Korpela, Beverly Padgett, June (Phil) Shopp all of Virginia, MN; Special cousin Norma Bodovinac, Virginia, MN; Brothers-in-law Rod (Kathy) McGillivray, Brookings, SD; Peter (Elaine) McGillivray, Arden Hills, MN; Sister-in-law Bergetta (Mike) Indihar, Tower, MN; Mother-in-law, Marion (Ray Nevala) Hitner, Aurora, MN; brother-in-law Louis (Ellen) Hitner, Embarrass and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ken fought the good fight, he finished his course, and he kept the faith.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sheila and brothers, Hartley, William and Dalton.
