Hanzlik, Kenny

Kenny Hanzlik, 75, of Marion, died Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at his home. Memorial services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, by Pastor Gary Hoyt. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Guests are encouraged to wear black and orange in honor of Coach Hanzlik.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Hanzlik, of 32 years; children, Kendra Hanzlik (Chris Carter) of Cedar Rapids and Ken (Brenda) Cooperman of Houston, Mo.; grandchildren, Britton Hanzlik Carter and Lucas and Erika Cooperman; brother, Dale Hanzlik of Cedar Rapids; sisters, Jo Page of Marion, Bonnie (Eddie) Herman of Ione, Calif., Ann McVey of Cedar Rapids and Vicky Trent of Stockton, Calif.; and sister-in-law, Alice Hanzlik of Chula Vista, Calif. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Edwin (Buzz) Hanzlik and Martin (Sonny) Hanzlik; and his parents, Erma (Jacobsen) and Edvin Hanzlik.

Kenny Hanzlik was born Aug. 28, 1935, the son of Erma and Edvin Hanzlik in Iowa City, Iowa. He grew up in Cedar Rapids and attended Wilson High School. In his younger days Kenny excelled at all sports, including track, football and boxing. He joined the Army in 1958. Kenny worked for the City of Cedar Rapids for nearly 40 years, most of which were spent as superintendent of Squaw Creek and Jones Park golf courses. Upon retirement, Kenny devoted his life to his true passion as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Prairie High School football team. Coach Hanzlik was a constant presence on the football field and in the weight room for 13 years. Kenny's life experience and years of weightlifting inspired Prairie students to be the best athletes and the best people they could be. Coach Hanzlik was proof to all who knew him that anything is possible for those with enough determination, commitment, and heart. Throughout his life, he exemplified all three. Kenny faced adversity with a sense of humor, a rhythm to his step, and a fighting spirit, and did so with never a hair out of place. Kenny enjoyed exercise, time in the sun, music, and, most of all, his friends and family. His life was a lesson for us all.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Kenny Hanzlik Memorial Fund through the Prairie School Foundation.

Please sign the online guest book for Kenny at  under obituaries.