M. C. “Tater” Hanzlik

M. C. “Tater” Hanzlik was born August 16, 1954, to Ray and Frances (Moelter) Hanzlik. He grew up on the family ranch along Sulphur Creek south of Mud Butte, SD. There he joined his four brothers in many adventures, some probably dangerous, and likely instigated by him. Later they were joined by two sisters who completed the family.

Tater went to Squaw Butte School for his elementary education and Faith High School where he graduated in 1972. After high school, he joined a combine crew harvesting wheat, and he also worked for several years at the Cenex station in Sturgis, SD.

He moved to Gillette, WY, to work in the oil industry. On March 18, 1978, he married Renea Mutchler and became Dad to 3-year-old Dana. Trinity was born in 1979 and Heidie in 1981.

In 1986, Tater moved to Winnemucca, NV, and worked with explosives and mining equipment. He returned to SD in 1988 to help his parents on the ranch. While there he also drove semi hauling cattle, which he really enjoyed.

In 1998, Tater returned to Gillette, WY. He worked for a time at the Lightning Lube and on his sister and brother-in-law’s ranch. From 2005-2016 he loaded railroad cars for Rail Link, Inc. until his retirement.

Tater loved bowling. For many years he bowled on leagues in Gillette. He enjoyed playing cribbage and could beat anyone at Scrabble, even his mom, which was always his goal! Tater was an avid reader of westerns and enjoyed collecting firearms. His greatest passion in life was spending time with his family, especially his grandbabies. They were the light of his life.

Tater, 65, Gillette, died Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Tater is survived by his three daughters, Dana (David) Sparks, Sturgis, SD, Trinity (Robert) Neno, Colorado Springs, CO, and Heidie (Tom) Jasiak, Gillette, WY; six grandchildren, Kadia Sarvey, Brynna Neno, Kaleb Sparks, Jonathan Neno, Joseph Jasiak, and Anna Jasiak; three brothers, Robert (Maureen) Hanzlik, Mud Butte, SD, Norman (Theresa) Hanzlik, Union Center, SD, and Maurice Hanzlik, Winnemucca, NV; and two sisters, Christi (Dennis) Gregersen, Gillette, WY, and Janette Collins, Gillette, WY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Frances Hanzlik; one brother, Frank Hanzlik; and his grandparents.

Funeral services were held Friday, October 4, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Rev. Paul Henschen and Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Burial followed at the Fairpoint Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Camel Lanes Grand Prix Scholarship.