Jeffrey S. Hanula

PRINCETON — Jeffrey “Jeff” Scott Hanula of Princeton died Monday, Oct. 10, 2011. He was born April 13, 1965, in Arcadia, Calif., to John Edward and Elizabeth Catherine (Haney) Hanula. He married Michelle René Steen June 21, 1991, in Upland, Calif. He was a pro-wrestling ring announcer and a movie theatre manager and cashier. He was employed by Empire Wrestling Federation, Hard Core Wresting Association, National Wrestling Alliance (NWA Optimum), AMC Theatres and Walmart. He attended three years of college. Surviving are his wife, Michelle René Hanula; three children, Jeffrey Michael Hanula, Christina René Hanula and Jordan René Hanula; his parents-in-law, Roseanna Louise Steen and Melvin Richard Steen; his godparents, Mel and Ann Gormin; one aunt, Ann Marie Hensel; and six cousins, David Alan Hanula, Nancy K. Todd, Jennifer Ann Castanon, Robert Anthony Castanon, Brianna K. Castanon and Damian Robert Castanon. Jeff’s greatest loves were his wife, Michelle, who he’d been with since he was 18, his family, friends, Elton John, pro-wrestling, his favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, horse racing, horror movies, fishing, Halloween and portraying Jason Vorhees each year at Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road. Every year he and his children (including his 6-year-old daughter, Jordan, who played a monster) looked forward to scaring everyone in attendance. In remembrance, Jeff’s photo as Jason, along with his trademark machete, will be on display at this year’s Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road, which has been dedicated to him courtesy of Dave Mead, the mastermind behind the event. As a final act of kindness, Jeff was a tissue donor, in the hope that others would be helped, as he was when he received his kidney transplant. Jeff’s family wishes to thank the city of Princeton Police and Fire Departments, Perry Memorial Hospital Emergency Department physicians and staff, and Bureau County Coroner Janice Wamhoff for all of their efforts and assistance. We are also forever beholden to his regular physicians, Doctors Ketan Patel, Samer Sader, Beverley Ketel, the staff at the Fresenius Dialysis Center in Spring Valley as well as Kathy McKenny and staff at the Fresenius North Peoria Home Dialysis Unit. A special heartfelt thanks to all of his friends, old and new, near and far is also extended ... he truly loved you all. Jeff’s wishes were for there to be a celebration of his life in place of a funeral or visitation because he never wanted to be the cause of any sadness. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend at 6 p.m. Saturday at Los Ranchitos Mexican Restaurant, located across from the fairgrounds. Memorials may be directed to the family. The Norberg Memorial Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com

Jeffrey S. Hanula

April 13, 1965 - October 10, 2011