Payton Hanan, 26

Payton Hanan of Kimball died tragically Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as the result of an automobile accident near Cokato. He was 26.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 8, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kimball with Rev. Dr. James Gimbel officiating. Burial will follow at Kimball Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, and 10-10:45 a.m. Thursday, both at the church. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Payton Christian Hanan was born Jan. 19, 1999, in St. Cloud to Paul and Tracy (VanNurden) Hanan. He grew up in Kimball, surrounded by the love of his family including his sisters and brother. A 2017 graduate of Kimball Area High School, Payton continued his education at Ridgewater College in Willmar. He went on to become an Electrical Journeyman with NEI Electric in St. Paul, and he was a proud and dedicated member of IBEW Local 292, but always remained a homesteader at heart.

Faith was central to Payton’s life. He was baptized at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fair Haven, and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kimball where he remained an active member. Payton was known for his adventurous, hands-on spirit. Rarely idle, he was always working on a home project, coaching youth wrestling, or exploring new places. He loved sports – especially wrestling, baseball, volleyball, softball, and football – and thrived in the camaraderie they brought. He embraced life with a heart full of energy and purpose. Payton found joy in simple pleasures: riding his one-wheel, gardening, spending time in his orchard, and being with his beloved dogs Hazel Louise and Dollie Mae. He had a magnetic personality, forging deep connections with friends, coworkers, and his community, especially the youth. He was eagerly anticipating his wedding to the love of his life Bonnie M. Willemsen, planned for Oct. 18, 2025 – a future built on faith, love, and shared dreams.

Those who knew Payton will remember a man who lived his life with intention, passion, and a deep love for others. His faith, his laughter, his loyalty, and his zest for life will live on in all who were fortunate to know him.

Payton was preceded in death by his grandfather Craig VanNurden, and his aunt Tonya VanNurden.

He is survived by his parents Paul and Tracy Hanan of Kimball; fiancée Bonnie Willemsen of Kimball; siblings Maddie Hanan of Watkins, Ashton “Shuggs” Hanan of Kimball, and Lea Schmidt of Momberg, Germany; nieces and nephew Hadley, Ellie, and Tucker; grandparents Gayle VanNurden of Kimball, and Mary and Rev. Norman Hanan of Annandale; aunts and uncles Josh (and Kim) Hanan, Marc (and Eva) Hanan, Matt (and Tiffany) Hanan, Seth Hanan, Jon Hanan, Travis (and Kristin) VanNurden, Tara (and Justin) Adolph, and Tiffany (and Boomer) Danelke; 22 cousins, and many other relatives and dear friends.

Shuggs Hanan, Derek Nessett, Darius Westrich, Hunter Ahlrich, Hunter Hartl, Mason Hennen, Connor Peterson, Aeron Ashbrook, and Jordan Hanan will serve as casket bearers, with Mason Danelke, Teagan VanNurden, and Clayton Adolph as honorary casket bearers. Lori Rippentrop and Kim Morford will provide music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.