Brian Jeffrey Hansel

Mr. Brian Jeffrey Hansel, 63, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

Brian was born in Lancaster, OH on December 5, 1959. He had a strong faith in God and church, as a member of Kingswood United Methodist Church in Rural Hall. Brian served as a Sunday School Teacher and served on different committees at Kingswood. He was active in his community, serving with Rural Hall Friends of the Library, the Kiwanis Club and the Salvation Army as a bell ringer. Brian graduated from Lancaster High School in 1978, where he excelled in multiple sports and served as Student Council President. He then went on to graduate from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem in 1982. He was a lifelong Buckeye and Bobcat fan, staying true to his Ohio roots. He followed both colleges’ football and basketball teams, but always leaning toward the Buckeyes. Brian loved to travel, visiting 20 national parks. He also visited many state capitols and presidential homes. Brian enjoyed hiking in the mountains, visiting waterfalls and planning surprise trips and events for family and friends. His proudest accomplishment was his two sons and three grandchildren. He loved his family dearly. Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Lavender Jablonka.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate, LaRee Hansel; two sons, Jeremy Hansel (Jules) and Benjamin Hansel; his three wonderful grandchildren, Alex, Jack and Remy; his sister, Jennifer Hansel; and his step-father, Paul Jablonka. Brian is also survived by his mother-in-law, two sisters-in-laws, two brothers -in-laws and their families.

Funeral services celebrating Brian’s life will be conducted at1 PM on Monday, June 12, 2023 at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 405 N Columbus St., Lancaster, OH. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Lancaster. The family will receive friends from 12-1 PM on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Jimmy V. Foundation, Lancaster High School Athletic Association, Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, or First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, OH.

To leave an online condolence, and sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com.