Donald Hanel

Donald Ira Hanel, age 88, after a long and courageous battle with extended illnesses, peacefully entered the Lord's loving arms on May 8, 2026, at his home. To his final hour, Don was faithfully and tenderly cared for by his devoted wife of 68 years, Carol.

Don was born on May 23, 1937, to Bruno and Margaret (Statham) Hanel of Mankato, MN. Don grew up with strong faith and family values that shaped the life he built. On October 26, 1957, he married the love of his life, Carol Rabenhorst.

Together they raised their four children, Denise, Deb, Darla, and Jeff, in their Prior Lake, MN home of 61 years.

A skilled machinist by trade, Don took great pride in his work. Outside of his profession, he found joy in woodworking, gardening, and fishing hobbies that reflected his patience, creativity, and love of the outdoors.

Don is survived by his beloved wife Carol; their four children, Denise (David) Schober, Deb (Pastor Alan) Horn, Darla (Pastor Bill) Werth, and Jeff (Becky) Hanel; and 15 grandchildren: Nicole Reece, Stacia (Derrick) Evenson, Naomi (Mike) Strusz, Daniel (Tiffany) Schober, Jacob Horn, Hannah Horn, Jon (Mandy) Werth, Samantha Hanel, Abby (Jordan) Kurth, Sara (Felix) Galvez, Pastor Isaiah (Kristi) Horn, Lizzy (Billy) Herdzina, Alex (Franny) Hanel, Isaac Horn, and Joe (Hayley) Hanel. He is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, his brother Dick (Joy) Hanel, and sisters-in-law Marie Hanel and Mary Lou Hanel.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Loren, Harold, and Barbara Hanel.

A Victory Celebration of Don's life will be held at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 16840 State Hwy 13, Prior Lake, MN on Saturday, May 16 with a visitation beginning at 11am, followed by a Christian service at 12Noon. Don will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery at a later time. A luncheon will follow the victory celebration at the Prior Lake VFW.