Matt Hanenkrath, of Ayersville, OH, took his last ride on Monday July 3, 2023. The numerous hats of his life were hung for a final time. Matt was known to many as fire chief, 911 Dispatch Director, school board president, and coach. He was also a dedicated and loving husband and father. Many community members all remember Matt as a leader and a helper wherever he was needed.
Hanenkrath began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher in both Defiance and Lucas Counties, and eventually become the Director for the 911 Communications Center in Defiance. He was Fire Chief for South Richland Volunteer Fire Department and Assistant Chief at Highland Township Volunteer Fire Department. He spent time outside of work as the president of the Ayersville school board, and coaching softball and football at Ayersville High School.
He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his wife, Ashley and his children: Haleigh, Brynn and Bentley; and remembered always for his service to his community of Defiance County. A procession through Defiance was held in Hanenkrath’s memory on July 3rd beginning at Defiance Elementary School and commencing at Ayersville Cemetery.
To honor Hanenkrath’s life and service, Governor Mike DeWine ordered all flags of the United States and State of Ohio to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings in Defiance County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center and the Rhodes State Office from June 29 through July 3, 2023.
