March 8, 1935-
September 9, 2023
Winnemucca, NV
Charles Hanel took a terrible fall in June and had a hard time recovering.
He passed away in Fernley, Nevada on September 9, 2023 at age 88.
Charlie was born on March 8, 1935, in Buhl, Idaho. He was the second child and the only boy in a family that would eventually include five sisters. Charlie and his siblings were raised mostly bytheir mother in South Salt Lake City.
Charlie became a phenomenal welder and a lifelong member of The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.
He worked for many years in the mines around Winnemucca, Nevada.
His work was always top notch. After retiring in 2000, he opened his own welding business; people still comment on the quality of his work.
In his younger days, Charlie bounced around from job site to job site.
He was twice divorced and a father of 6 when he met Suzan Williams Atkin in Milford, Utah. They were married in
1985, at which time Charlie gained three sons and two daughters and became affectionately known as “Grandpa Charlie.”
Charlie had many talents, including fishing, hunting, and gardening. He also enjoyed canning and preserving his bounty. Nothing went to waste! His pantry was full of canned fruits and his freezer was full of game.
Thankfully, he was also generous. His delicious salsa, jellies, elk steaks and smoked salmon were the best!
Charlie also loved Country Western music and he knew how to dance! Charlie and Suzan could outdance couples half their age.
They were fun to watch and could draw a crowd. Charlie was always up for a good time, and The Martin and The Pizzeria in Winnemucca was his favorite haunt.
It was a place where he could sit back, enjoy a few beers, tell a few stories and hang out with his good friends.
Charlie is survived by his children: Shelly Burton, Sondra Kohler, Gaylynn Holt, Buffy Kester and Monte Hanel.
He will also be missed by his companion of 38 years, Suzan Hanel and his stepchildren: Todd Atkin, Jeff Atkin, Robbin Vetsch, Darryl Atkin and Kellie Sligar.
He is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. His sisters include: Judith Corbett, Linda Agekamhe and Jannan Braun. He will also be deeply missed by his best pal and partner, Alan Doornek.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents Chas Hanel and Jane Trovicek, his daughter Teri
Hanel, and his sisters Patricia Krumnow and Beverly O’Brien.
Wherever Charlie went, he went with a smile. We are going to miss his jokes, stories, chuckle, big smile and heart. Rest easy cowboy.
We will be having a private family service in Milford, Utah.