Junior Hanschu

Alex Junior Hanschu passed away on December 13, 2022 at Hillsboro, KS. He was born on February 5, 1937 on the family farm in rural Ramona, KS. Junior was the last born of Alexander and Susanna (Riffel) Hanschu.  Trinity Lutheran Church in Ramona was the place of both his baptism (March 7, 1937) and his confirmation of faith (April 2, 1950). Trinity Church is also where Junior married the love of his life, Jeanetta Utech on August 23, 1964.

Farming, Family, and Faith were at the center of his over 85 years of a life well-lived. Junior never had a different address, as he was born, raised, and lived on the originally settled Alexander Hanschu farmstead his entire life. He would often say he would only move if it was to the cemetery west of Ramona, and on December 13 the Lord granted that wish. Junior was a self-employed farmer/rancher his entire life.  He raised crops of wheat, milo, corn, and beans and was extremely proud of his herds of Hereford cattle.

Junior graduated from Ramona High School in 1954, where he played baseball, softball, and basketball. The stories told of how he and his brother Harold were ornery on and off the court were quite fascinating. He continued to play fastpitch softball as an adult, and the stories told of his and Harold’s antics on the diamond are legendary.

Family was extremely important to Junior. The love and support he gave to his children and grandchildren goes beyond comparison. Family gatherings for holidays were something Junior looked forward to and cherished year after year. Whatever the occasion or activity (often a ball game), Junior was there to support and cheer on his children and grandchildren. Junior, or Grandpa H as he is fondly referred to by many, became a constant presence in the Centre, Hillsboro, Little River, and Southeast of Saline communities. Grandpa’s love of family and sports, combined with his “I never met a stranger” personality, endeared him to many near and far. And wherever he was going that evening, Junior made sure his attire was the correct color to show his avid support. He also enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Royals. If you called Grandpa during a Royals game, you would often get a ‘play-by-play’ of the game during your conversation.

Junior also spent countless hours promoting, supporting, and attending community events around Ramona and Marion County. If there was something going on, you could count on Junior being there. Participating for years in the Ramona Redneck Run on the 4^th of July was just one of many things he enjoyed. He served on the Lewis Cemetery Board for many years and was on the Ramona HS Alumni Committee. You could say he was an ‘iconic’ member of the Ramona community. Junior served Trinity Church in various capacities (elder, trustee, officer) for decades. Church mattered to Junior, and he was a shining example of Christ-like service for us all to follow.

Junior was also known for his quick wit and ‘dad joke’ humor. When you lost something, he would always say, “I bet you found it in the last place you looked.” It was rare that you visited with Junior and didn’t laugh or grin at something he said. He also had a large collection of hats – you name it, he had the hat. He was also a competitive Pitch card player and was often the life of the party with his uncanny ability to make his bid on nothing but an Ace and Jack. Junior also spent hours reading all his newspapers from cover to cover each week. “Did you see that in the paper?” was often a common conversation starter for him. One can only imagine how many chicken-fried steaks Grandpa ate, as that was his ‘go to’ meal almost every time. He also took pride in keeping a clean house, as that is what he said mom would have wanted.

Junior was a man of Faith. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus. He relied on Prayer and Faith to get him through many things. None more so than when he became a widower on January 30, 2010, when his wife of over 45 years passed away. Junior had to learn to live again so to say, which he proudly did so by leaning on his Faith. Keeping Christ as the center of his life, Junior again had to lean on his Faith as he became a two-time cancer survivor. The example he gave to his children and grandchildren as a Christian was extremely meaningful to his loved ones. In his final hours on earth, one of his final ‘actions’ was to find the strength to move and then fold his hands as the family surrounding him said the Lord’s Prayer.

Junior’s greatest pride and joy was his family, which includes his children Jayson (Jan) Hanschu of Hillsboro, Jennifer (Jeff) Braden of Windom, and Jolene Albrecht of Salina; grandchildren Jakob (Kaylee) Hanschu, Jorge (fiancé Maddy) Hanschu, Jaxxon Hanschu, Josh Braden, Kallie Albrecht, Morgan Albrecht, and Landon Albrecht; sister-in-law Burma Hanschu; brothers-in-law Garland (Dianna) Utech and Marlon (Jill) Utech.

Junior passed away at Hillsboro Community Hospital on December 13, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Jeanetta, son-in-law Neil Albrecht; brothers Harry, Daniel, Arthur, Wilber, Paul, Harold; sister Velma Krause.

Family will gather for visitation with friends on Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 5-7 pm at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, 902 East D St, Hillsboro, KS, where there will be a prayer service at 7 pm.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 10 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 311 E St, Ramona, KS.  Junior will then be laid to rest at Lewis Cemetery, Ramona, KS following the service.

Memorial contributions in Junior’s name may be made out/directed to Trinity Lutheran Church Ramona, Lutheran Hour Ministries, or Marion County Relay for Life.

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Dad, Grandpa, Friend – you will be dearly missed and always loved, but never forgotten.