John Hasenbank

1942 - 2022

John Hasenbank
September 26, 1942 - June 3, 2022
John E. Hasenbank passed away on Friday, the 3rd of June 2022, in Houston, Texas at the age of 79 after a thirteen-year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia ("AML"). He commanded his battle until his very last day. For a disease that had the capability of overtaking him within a year of diagnosis, he held it at bay to give his family over a decade of additional quality time with him. He won his battle and finished his race, only allowing the disease to move forward after he was at peace that he had completed, and been part of, everything needed of him. His faith and Christian values were unwavering, and an example to others, during the entirety of his battle.
John was born on September 26, 1942, in Lowden, Iowa to Dorothy and Elwood Hasenbank. John graduated in 1960 from Clarence High School (Iowa) and immediately joined the Navy in San Diego, California. He proudly served his country from 1960-1964 as a Fire Control Technician (Gun), Second Class (FTG2). After serving, he used his entrepreneurial skills to establish Zino's Pizzeria in Newport Beach, CA and operate Le-Hi Cafe in Clarence, IA. While in Iowa, he earned his associate degree from Kirkland Community College, majoring in horticulture. John then moved with his family to Houston, Texas in 1976 to pursue his love for landscaping. After working for others, John desired to start another business, and formed Earth Tone Development in 1979. In 1999, he sold the business to a public company but continued to pursue his love for landscaping as a consultant.
John met the love of his life and best friend, Mary Hayden Hasenbank, in 1985 and were married at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in 1986. They were blessed with a son, LCDR (sel) Charlie Hasenbank, USN, in 1989. In addition to his wife and son, John is survived by his daughter, Renee Masaryk (spouse Gerad), his son, JD Hasenbank, DC (spouse Jennifer) and Charlie's wife, Hailey Hasenbank. He cherished his five grandchildren, Ashley, Taylor, Hallie, Laura Finley and Emma and his great grandchild, Easton. Other dear relatives include Linsey Lewis, Chip Hayden, Johnny Hayden, Amanda Harapat, Johanna Knapp and numerous nieces and nephews. His mother and father, and sister, Betty Knapp, predeceased him.
John loved spending time in nature and generously shared his time and knowledge with anyone that asked. He loved assisting others with their projects, and helped so many learn to garden, care for trees and protect the nature and wildlife around us. His love for the earth and helping others spread so far beyond his family as he strived to aid everyone he met, no matter the inconvenience or cost to himself. He invested his time in projects everywhere he went, showcasing his tireless work ethic, attention to detail and continual strive for perfection. Whether he was volunteering at St. Luke's UMC, West University Sports Leagues or Houston Christian High School, visiting his favorite place in Vermont, or simply spending time with family across the country, he was always offering to help share his tremendous knowledge as well as his time. He was truly a generous and loving man who treasured sharing his passion of caring for God's creation.
During his battle with AML, John volunteered for a number of clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center which resulted in many new treatments being approved by the FDA that are now used widely to help other leukemia patients. He was thankful for the medical care he received during his 13-year battle from Dr. Farhad Ravandi and his nurse, Ethel Estrada, in the Leukemia Department at MDA. They were by his side always, coming up with new clinical trials with each relapse.
A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston, TX on Thursday, July 21st at 12:30, with the interment following in the Memorial Garden. For those who are unable to attend, the livestream link is: https://www.stlukesmethodist.org/john-hasenbank/ In lieu of customary remembrances, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to either St. Luke's United Methodist Church (3471 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027) or MD Anderson Cancer Center, Leukemia Department (P.O. Box 4464, Houston, Texas 77210-4464), as well as donating blood to MD Anderson Cancer Center, if able