Don E. Hannappel

Don E. Hannappel, 71, of Clarks, died on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Bickford Senior Living in Grand Island. Funeral mass will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clarks at 10:30 a.m. with Father Joe Hannappel officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. Vigil service will follow at 7 p.m. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Clarks following the funeral mass.

Memorials are suggested to the family or to your local FFA chapter in memory of Don.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. 

Don was born on March 16, 1955, in Central City, to John and Louise (Schroeder) Hannappel. He grew up in Clarks and graduated from Clarks High School in 1973. Following graduation, Don began farming, a career he dedicated himself to until 2018 when his health no longer allowed him to continue.  Don was united in marriage to Shannon Wheeler on Nov. 27, 1993, and to this union was one son, Tanner and Shannon’s son Jacob.  They made their home in rural Clarks until they moved to Turtle Beach in Marquette, and later Don moved to Bickford Senior Living in Grand Island.

Don had a deep love for farming and all things John Deere. He enjoyed country music, Husker games, dancing, spending time with family, and sharing treats with his grandsons on the deck at the farm. Above all, he cherished his children, grandchildren, and his many nieces and nephews.

He was a proud member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, where he faithfully served in many roles over the years.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Shannon of Marquette; his sons, Jacob Kennedy of Central City, and Tanner (Megan) Hannappel of Omaha; grandchildren, Elijah Kennedy and Bennett Hannappel; siblings, Dale (Sue) Hannappel of Lincoln, Maxine Paul of Phoenix, Ariz., Joyce (Dennis) Van Pelt of Dexter, Iowa, Larry (Kathy) Hannappel of Woodland Park, Colo.,  and Tom Hannappel (Michelle Hysell) of Aurora, Colo.; and sister-in-law Phyllis Hannappel of Cozad.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise Hannappel; siblings, Wallace, Jerry, Darlene, Louie (Lila) Hannappel, and brother-in-law, Mel Paul.