Donald Hanners

Donald Hanners
POCATELLO - Donald Eugene Hanners, age 82, passed away at home on May 21, 2011, from a long battle with diabetes and complications from a stroke. 
He was born on January 19, 1929, at McCook, Nebraska, to Clarence A. and Emma J. Anderjaska Hanners, the third of four sons. His older brothers, Keith and Dean Hanners, along with his younger brother, Dennis, preceded him in death.
The family moved to Pocatello, Idaho in February 1937, from McCook Nebraska. They lived south of Pocatello for many years, raising their own food to survive the Depression years. Don worked at Union Pacific Railroad, hiring out when he was just 15, lying about his age to get a job. He worked nights calling crews and went to high school during the day. He retired on May 31, 1991, after 47 1/2 years of service. 
He married Stella Longobardo in Pocatello in April of 1949. While serving in the United States Army Air Corps they lived for a short time in San Antonio, Texas.  After the service the couple moved back to Pocatello to continue his railroad career and raise their family. 
He became head timekeeper and loved that job and the people he worked with. After many years this department was moved to Salt Lake City and Don opted to stay in Pocatello, transferring to the mechanical department as a machinist. He later became the federal inspector and retired from that position in May of 1991.
Don also worked for 15 years for Wycoff Company on the weekends, driving a mail truck to both Ashton and Salt Lake City. He made many friends in Ashton. They became part of his family. He always was there to help a friend out, whether it be a building project or work on a car. Don was able to fix about anything and enjoyed helping others.
To say Don loved to be in the outdoors is an understatement. He lived to hunt and fish. His knowledge of fly-tying, how and where to catch a fish, are well known. At age 82 he was still tying flies, rough as they were, he loved to think his flies might catch a nice fish! He was always willing to show anyone how to tie a fly or where they might catch a big one. He was an avid gardener. His passion came form the years during the Great Depression and his family living off the land to survive.
Don and Stella were married 62 years and had six children, Gary (Jo) Hanners, Pocatello, Wayne (Tammy) Hanners, Boise, Karen (Don) Day, Malad, Laura (Paul) McCully, Seattle, Scott (JoAnne) Hanners, Idaho Falls and Doug (Linnea) Hanners, Boise. Don and Stella have 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family would like to extend thanks to Creekside Hospice. The loving, tender care they showed Don and his family was extraordinary. Special thanks to Daniel, Farrah and Cree, his Hospice caregivers, who came whenever we needed them. They respected and cared for him even after his passing.
Services are under the direction of Downard Funeral Home. Mass will be held Thursday, May 26, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Joseph's Catholic Church. Viewing will be held on Wednesday at Downard's Funeral Chapel at 7 p.m. Interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery, Section 52 West, with military rites provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.