Obituary of Don Hansell

Don Richard Hansell, 64, of Zion, Illinois went to be with the Lord, peacefully and surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 26, 2010, at the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, IL. Don was born March 26, 1946, in Humphrey, AR, and graduated from Dixon-Israel High School in Eaton, Ohio, in 1964. He married Pamela Heath on May 28, 1966, in Cambridge City, IN. He was a member of the Beach Community Church in Beach Park, IL. He retired from the North Shore Sanitary District after 25 years of employment. Don served with the United States Army (101st Airborne Division) in Viet Nam and was a member of the American Legion Post#1943 of Winthrop Harbor, IL, and Disabled American Veterans. Don devoted the last several years to serving God. He was a loving, generous, devoted husband, father, "Grampy" and friend. He was a hard worker in spite of his health limitations, and was always willing to lend a hand or give wise advice to someone in need. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he was their biggest supporter and cheerleader, never missing their sporting events or school functions, unless health issues prevented. He was an avid Bears fan and loved riding his Harley until health issues prevented him doing so. He loved serving his church family, doing whatever needed to be done, including serving on the church elder board, and involved with God's ARM. Don put up a valiant fight against CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia), which recently progressed to AML (acute myelogenous leukemia); a result of Agent Orange exposure from his tour of duty in Viet Nam. He was a true friend and inspiration to all who knew him. Don is survived by his wife of 44 years, Pam; daughter, Dawnelle (Matthew) McNeill of Bristol, WI; grandchildren, Reid, Brynn, and Mason McNeill; sisters, Patsy Horowitz of Stuttgart, AR, and Shirley Barger of Mountain Home, AR; many nieces and nephews and other family. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Melissa Hansell in 2001; parents, Thomas and Lola Hansell; nephew, Thomas Hayley; and brother-in-law, Gerald Barger. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at 10:00 a.m., at Beach Community Church, 37283 N. Green Bay Rd., Beach Park, IL. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 30, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion. Memorial donations are suggested to the Beach Community Church or Disabled American Veterans.