Donald Hanni, 79

Donald J. “Don” Hanni, 79, of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home Oct. 4, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by the life and place he loved, Don left behind a legacy of hard work, devotion to family, service to others, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Don was born Jan. 2, 1947, in Healdsburg, Calif., to Delmar and Gertrude Hanni. At a young age, he moved with his family to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he grew up and graduated from high school with the Class of 1965. Following graduation, Don moved to Boise and attended Boise State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in geology.

It was during those years that fate brought Don and Lois Connyers together. They married in Challis, Idaho, in 1968, beginning a marriage that would span 58 years.

Don joined the State of Idaho in 1980 as a foundation driller, a career he would devote more than 30 years to before retiring. He was a hardworking man who believed in earning his way, although there was one thing that could occasionally take priority over a job — hunting season. It became something of a family joke that if Don couldn’t get time off to hunt, he might just quit. There would always be another job, but hunting season only came once a year.

Following retirement, Don and Lois settled near St. Maries, making their home up the St. Joe River near Big Eddy. It was a place where he could enjoy North Idaho's quiet beauty, the river, the mountains, wildlife, and the outdoor life that had always meant so much to him.

Don also believed strongly in serving his community. He was very active with the St. Joe Valley Fire District No. 4, where he fought fires and participated in search and rescue. He was always willing to step forward when someone needed help, giving his time and abilities to the community he called home.

Above everything else, Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. He loved his family fiercely and took great pride in those he loved.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lois Hanni, at their home; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Ken Sharp of Calder, Idaho; granddaughters, Gretchen Sharp of Missoula, Mont., and Kayl and Kolten McCormick of Astoria, Ore.; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Mike Liechty of Kuna, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his son, Brian Hanni, and his parents, Delmar and Gertrude Hanni.

At Don’s request, there will be no services. Hodge Funeral Home in St. Maries has been entrusted with these arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joe Valley Fire District in Calder, Idaho.