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Submitted: 3/27/22 • Approved: 3/30/22 • Last Updated: 4/2/22 • R1426302-G0-S3
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT US Air Force
January 29, 1928 - September 15, 2021
Steve F. Hanzlik, age 93 of Hot Springs, passed away on September 15, 2021. He was born on January 29, 1928 in Lackawanna, New York.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Handzlik and Ludwika Handzlik- Kozub, his loving wife of 50-years, Erika, and son, Patrick Hanzlik.
He is survived by his son, Marcel (Sally) Hanzlik, one daughter, Yvonne (Brian) Westfall; grandchildren Joy (John) Shepherd, Dr. Emily Hanzlik, Kelsey (Nick) Brown-Coleman, Sam Hanzlik, Katie (Nick) Gallegos, Clint Westfall, Zack Westfall; two wonderful great grandchildren Julia and John B Shepherd.
At age 15, after his father’s passing, Steve worked in Lackawanna’s Bethlehem Steel Mill to support his family. As WWII escalated, he forged his birth certificate attempting to join the Royal Canadian Air Force as a fighter pilot. His goal was to liberate his beloved Poland from Nazi tyranny. Steve then joined the US Maritime Service in 1945. He was drafted into the US Army in 1946. In 1951, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served with distinction until he retired in 1972. Steve attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant specializing in communication networks.
After his distinguished military career, he went on to complete his higher education at Henderson State University. For sixteen years, Steve passionately and enthusiastically taught science at Southwest Junior High. He touched the lives of his students, many of which credited him as their mentor and inspiration for success. He inspired his family and students with many declarations like, “No matter the task at hand even if it’s sweeping the floor, they knew that Hanzlik did it! It will be the cleanest damn floor in the land!” He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity, the Air Force Association, and the Elks Lodge 380.
He was a patriot, a teacher, mentor and leader. Steve enjoyed boating and building and flying remote controlled model air planes with the Hot Springs RC Club. Steve was a lifetime learner and took college courses up to age 93. He was a beloved friend to all and loved his family unconditionally. His love for ball room dancing was unmatched. Steve danced through life with conviction and compassion.
When you look up at the stars just know Steve is waltzing across Orion’s Belt, Fox Trotting in the Big Dipper, and dancing his way through the Galaxy.
Honorary pallbearers are Marcel Hanzlik, Sam Hanzlik, Dr. Michael Harrison, Nick Coleman, John Shepherd, John B Shepherd, Roger Moreland and Brian Westfall.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Garland County, 1321 Hwy 128, Lonsdale, Arkansas 72087.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 2:00 pm Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at Crestview Memorial Park in Garland County Arkansas. The family respectfully requests the use of face coverings during the service.
Contributed on 3/27/22 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1426302