Joseph Hanchak Jr.

Joseph Francis Hanchak Jr., 76, passed away on May 31, 2025 at Arbor Springs Nursing Home in West Des Moines, Iowa.

He was born September 29, 1948. Joe attended St. Agnes grade school and the West Mifflin School District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania through 1966. In 1968, Joe graduated with an Associates Degree in Drafting Design and Technology from Pennsylvania State University in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He then pursued and received a Baccalaureate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Pennsylvania State University in 1970, then furthered his education with a masters in Business Administration from Drake University in 1984.

Joe begin his career in 1970 in Newport News, Virginia as an Engineer where he worked on Classified Government Nuclear Submarines at the Newport News Dry Dock Shipyard. Three years later he moved with his wife, Carolyn, to Marshalltown, Iowa where he worked in Procurement at Fisher-Emerson Controls until his retirement in 2014.

Joe’s life was marked by a profound commitment to his family, friends, and career.

There in Marshalltown, Joe dabbled in a few different recreational sports including softball and golf. He also enjoyed his fishing trips with the “guys” along with purchasing his dream vintage Corvette which became a passion for him. Upon retirement he purchased another Corvette.

Joe is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Julia (John) Duer; son, Bradley (Lacey) Hanchak; grandchildren, Greyson, Bowen, Jaxson, Graham, Claire, and Levi; and sister, Barbara Jean.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Hanchak; and sister, MaryAnn Mach.

Family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday June 6, 2025 at Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave S, Altoona, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will occur after the funeral Mass at the church prior to a private interment at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Tunnel to Towers or Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church in memory of Joe’s spirit of generosity.

The family of Joe wishes to express a special thank you to the staff members at Arbor Springs Nursing Home and Suncrest Hospice; who not only took care of Joe but became his extended family during his time there.

For those unable to attend, you may watch the livestream of the service at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com at the bottom of Joe’s obituary.

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