Name: Memorial Gathering for Michael Hanlin
Start: 2025-10-23T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-10-23T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Hampton Heritage Center

Michael Hanlin

March 24, 1942 - October 12, 2025

Michael A. Hanlin, age 83, of East Moline, Ill., passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at his home. Cremation rites have been accorded.

A Celebration of Life luncheon will be he held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Hampton Heritage Center, 251 S. State Avenue, Hampton, IL 61256. A graveside service will take place at 1 p.m., Friday, October 24, 2025, at Durant Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family, care of Rebecca Gardner, PO Box 393, Hampton, IL 61256, in Michael's memory. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.

Michael was born on March 24, 1942, the son of Henry and Ethel (Fox) Hanlin in Keokuk, Iowa. He graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1961. He proudly served his country as an F-4 Phantom Pilot in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam. After he was discharged, Michael attended Western Illinois University and the University of Iowa, where he earned his Masters of Education in 1971. He married Brenda Colberg on February 7, 1974, in Rock Island. Brenda passed away on August 7, 2020.

While attending college, he worked as a riverboat captain, and as an elephant trainer during the summers. His love for learning and guiding others led him to a career in education. He began as an Industrial Arts teacher, later serving as an assistant principal at United Township High School before becoming Superintendent, a role he held with dedication and integrity until his retirement in 1995.

Michael spent countless hours aboard his houseboat at Sunset Marina and cherished time at his home along the Mississippi River. He loved water skiing, boating, and slipping his boat in Key West and Key Largo, Fla., where he enjoyed diving among the coral reefs. Michael's legacy lives on through the students he inspired, the colleagues he led, and the family and friends who shared in his adventures.

Michael will be dearly missed by five children, Christopher Nodurft, Rebecca (Andy) Gardner, Heath (Rachel) Hanlin, Melanie Hanlin, and Drew Hanlin; seven grandchildren, Morgan Nodurft, Hunter Lawrence, Henry E. Hanlin, Ezra Hanlin, Collin Nodurft, Henry L. Hanlin, and Madeline Hanlin; and a sister in-law, Vivian Hanlin.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda; one sister, Jeanette Hanlin; and one brother, Clayton Hanlin.

Bentley Funeral Home

Durant, Iowa

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Quad-City Times on Oct. 22, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Michael Hanlin

Oct

Memorial Gathering

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Hampton Heritage Center

251 S. State Avenue, Hampton, IL 61256

Funeral services provided by:

Bentley Funeral Home - Durant

1001 6th Street P.O. Box 817, Durant, IA 52747

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hanlin

Sponsored by Bentley Funeral Home - Durant.

8 Entries

Gary and Connie Rohwer "The Connie B"

Earlier today

We met Mike and Brenda when we boated out of Sunset Marina. We watched Drew and Becky grow up there. Many fond memories. His crazy rides through the backwaters in Jezabel. The barge parties. He could do things with a piece of rope that still amaze me. Always had a tale to tell that entertained us all. I still can hear his sign off from a radio call, "The Foxy".

Lois and John Honeycutt

Earlier today

Drew, we are so sorry to hear this very sad news. Our prayers for you and your family are enormous. I know you have wonderful memories of your dad, I know those memories will keep him close to you forever.

Mike Brewers

Yesterday

I got to know and become friends with Mike when we worked at UT. He served in a number of capacities, but his most impactful position was as director of the Area Career Center. Through his leadership the ACC has provided not only UT students but students from surrounding areas with the best career preparation experiences. He truly always put students first.
I know you and Brenda are on the water somewhere sharing a drink and a laugh!
Rest in peace, Mike.

Robert Andersen

Yesterday

It was a pleasure to know and work with Mike as a teacher and coach at Pleasant Valley High School. A great guy and story teller with a positive attitude.

Alex Boyd

October 21, 2025

Mike Hanlin and I worked together as assistant principals at united township high school for almost 10 years. During this time, we were not just colleagues but became friends. It was a vibrant and sincere friendship that lasted over 40 years. Mike continued to work at united township high school in various administrative positions until retirement. Mike was a true river man. We, along with our wives, spent every Friday on the houseboat traveling up and down the Mississippi River. He was a dedicated professional, hardworking, and sincere about helping students realize the importance of education. We had many days of laughter and good times. We worked indefatigably together, while garnering and nurturing respect for each other. I moved on to other administrative jobs in other states but we maintained our friendship. I will miss his wonderful smile, his gentle and kind, approach to delicate matters, and above all, his friendship. May he rest in peace.

Dr. Alex Boyd Jr.

Joan Hiserote

October 19, 2025

My family moved to Keokuk when I was in kindergarten. Mike lived two houses away and was my first friend in Keokuk. He was a great guy. My deepest sympathies to the family. He will be missed by many.

Dave Hiserote

October 19, 2025

Mike as a neighbor and friend in Keokuk, and knew he was a great guy. Sympathies to family

Loryann Eis

October 17, 2025

Mike was a joy to know at UTHS and afterwards when he joined us retired UTHS teachers at breakfast once a month. He always had a good story to tell. We missed him when he could no longer attend. My sincere sympathy to his family.

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