Biographies

HAL M. HANENKRATH

As a lifelong resident of Defiance, it is a privilege and honor to serve the families of the Defiance area. My wife, Lori (Duerk) Hanenkrath is a Communication officer for the Defiance County 911 Center. We have three sons: Matt, Josh, and Kurt, and two granddaughters, Haleigh and Brynn, daughters of Matt and Ashley. I graduated from Ayersville High School in 1970, attended Defiance College receiving an Associate of Arts Degree in 1974, and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1975. My community involvement includes: St John Lutheran Church, Highland Twp. Fire Dept - serving as chief of the department for 13 yrs, Ohio Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and coached baseball in Ayersville and Defiance Leagues. If you would like to talk, please stop by the funeral home, through the website, or just call. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you.

DANIEL J. SCHAFFER

Being born and raised in Defiance, I feel very fortunate to be able to serve the community I call home. I graduated from Defiance High School in 1985, attended Defiance College (1985-87) and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1988 with a degree in Mortuary Science. In 1992, I married Cindy (Spears) Schaffer, who is a general manager with area Subway Restaurants. We have three children: Daniel II "DJ", Adam, and Hanna.

My community involvement and memberships include: St John Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd degree, Life member of Defiance Co. Fish and Game Club, Trustee for Defiance Softball Association, Softball coach for 6th & 7th grade Spring Team, and 12U Summer Team, former Defiance Little League Baseball coach and  Babe Ruth League coach, USA Hockey certified coach, Fort Wayne (IN) Youth Hockey Assoc. coach with the Fort Wayne Komets Bantam A Travel Team, former School Council President of Defiance Catholic School now known as Holy Cross School, National Funeral Directors Association, Ohio Funeral Directors Associaton, and Ohio Embalmers Association.

I also hold a limited insurance license and would be willing to assist you in pre-planning services as well as at a time of need. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me either through this website, phone me, or stop by the funeral home.

BRYAN A. EVINGER

I have been involved with the funeral profession almost all of my adult life and have truly enjoyed serving the public in this capacity. I am a 1990 graduate McComb High School, attended Owens Community College (1991-94) and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1996. I married my highschool sweetheart Holly (Bowman) Evinger in 1994 and we have two daughters: Alaina and Lydia. My community involvements include: St. Paul United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Maumee Valley Sportsmen's Club where I am active in Trap & Skeet leagues, Northwest Ohio Harley Owners Group, National Funeral Directors Assoc., and Ohio Funeral Directors Assoc.. Having worked for a corporation owned funeral home and family owned funeral home, I have found it better for the families I serve to know that the staff is local and the business is managed locally, and where the families best interest will always come first.