Jonathan Gavin Hanchett, age 69, of Shawano, WI, passed away surrounded by family, from complications due to heart surgery, on Sunday, January 12th in Madison, WI.

Born in Elgin, IL to nationwide celebrations on July 4th, 1950, he is the son of Walter and Carolyn Hanchett, and the seventh of eight children.

He married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie (Phelps) in 1969 and has 7 children and 10 grandchildren, who were the delight of his life.

Jon was a star pitcher in college (Judson '73) and graduated with a BA in Human Relations and became a licensed social worker. Later he received a Masters of Science in Education from UW Oshkosh, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Psychology.

From 1979 until his retirement in 2016, he worked in the field of social work on the Menominee Reservation, and in Shawano and Oconto counties. His work gave him the opportunity to engage in many different areas, including child protective services, youth at risk, and mental health case management.

Jon & Stephanie also were licensed foster parents for 17 years and over the course of that time, cared for 34 teenage boys.

Known by many as 'Coach', he was involved in all ages of various sports, including little league baseball, basketball and soccer. He was an avid Chicago Bear fan and remained an ambassador for the team, desperately trying to reach the people of Northeastern WI.

He was devoted to his family and friends and was gifted with the ability to talk with, encourage and show interest in the lives of anyone he met.

In 2018 he became a facilitator for Fresh Hope in Shawano, WI.  He had a passion for the ministry of Fresh Hope and the people who attend the Fresh Hope support group at Hope Community Church every Monday night.

He is survived by his wife Stephanie of Shawano; and his children: Jonathan (Sarah) of Quincy, IL, Joseph of Bristol, England, Benjamin of Chicago, IL, Sarah of Shawano, William of Shawano, and Robert Powless of Shawano; his grandchildren: Evalina, Sonia, Gabriella, Ezra & Simeon (Quincy, IL), Noah (Bristol, England), Isaac, Bethany & Mara (Shawano), and Ganawabhi (Shawano); and his siblings: Tom (Joyce) Hanchett, Dave (Ellie) Hanchett, Sally (Peter) Gutierrez, Mark (Anne) Hanchett, and Samuel (Nina) Hanchett.  He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Carolyn, son Calvin, brother James, and sister Elizabeth.

A funeral service for Jon will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 17, 2020 at Hope Community Church in Shawano with Rev. John Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano and again on Friday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service.