JOSEPH W. HANENKRATT, age 57, of Portage, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Joseph was a veteran of the US Army and proud to be an American. He married the love of his life, Ginger (nee Clary) on October 7, 2000, in Hobart, Indiana.  Joe was a member of Steelworkers Local 1010 and had 20+ years of service with Cleveland Cliffs. He enjoyed his golf cart and was a member of the LFG Golf Cart Club. If you knew Joe, you knew he could fix just about anything. He will be missed dearly by his family and anyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Ginger (nee Clary); 6 children, Jonathan (Crystal) Hanenkratt, Neil (Amber) Hanenkratt, Mackenzie (Brent) Bohner, Megan (Grant) Burns, Morgan (Christoffer) Stacey, and Myah Hanenkratt;7 grandchildren, Braxton, Owen, Cameron, RaeLynn, Callie, Rhett, Isla; 8 siblings, Sean (Lisa) Hanenkratt, Dawn (Rich) Johanns, Shannon (Ben) Schilt, Jillian (Chad) Adams, Barry (Karen) Hanenkratt, Shelly Easley, Ashley (Darrin) Haroldson, Brandi (Tom) Johnson; mother-in-law, Char Clary; aunt, Beverly Bland; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Danny Tyson, John Hanenkratt, and Ellen Boyle; father-in-law, Dave Clary; brother, Neil Tyson; cousin Tommy Boyle.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.

Funeral services for Joseph will be Sunday, November 2, 2025 with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 6:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, with Rev. Luis Araujo officiating. Services will conclude at the funeral home with cremation at a later time. Family requests that you please wear CASUAL ATTIRE to the services. Please extend online condolences at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.