Erik Hanvelt was the beloved son of Randy and Gloria Hanvelt. Brother to Janelle Haggett (husband Sean). Supportive and loving husband to Angela and a cherished father to Constanze, Coleson, Amelia, and Polly and grandfather to Iris and Clara. Born on March 19th, 1968, his sudden departure occurred on January 9th of 2024. Erik's life was an overwhelming example of a multifaceted man living to his full potential. Born in San Jose California, he spent his younger days playing soccer and nurturing his creative side with painting. Curating store windows for a furniture company into beautiful masterpieces. After coming to Kansas City, Missouri in 1993 to tend to the needs of a sick friend, he stayed. Finding love, a family, and a career that fueled his passions.

Founded in 1997, Jet Midwest was lucky enough to bring Erik in as Employee #1. He worked tirelessly and dedicated his entire working career to the company, ultimately becoming Vice President of Special Projects. Erik's passion and drive for aviation flourished. Aviation bled into his artwork, everything from his paintings to sculptures, even functioning works of art. He traveled the world in his career, creating lifelong connections and everlasting friendships. Bringing back to his family and friends' stories of his experiences and small tokens of the places he visited. His selfless nature and prominent "never try, just do" attitude was infectious with all those who loved him. Erik took great pride in being a mentor to so many people who discovered his love of aviation, helping to guide and teach countless colleagues and friends over the years and all over the world. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

He judged no one and always had a hand up to those in need, living day to day by the words "love just is". His visionary ideas and seemingly endless motivation were an inspiration to others. He cared deeply for his children and shared his passions with them, taking them on adventures, showing them his work in aviation, and was always prepared to just play in the dirt. Truly, Erik was a one-of-a-kind man who took full advantage of the human experience and will be missed by so many around the world. A fanatic of the aviation industry, an artist beyond his years, a heart open to all, a man with endless stories, but most of all, a man who loved.

The service will be Friday January 26th at Passantino Bros Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a service starting at 1:00 p.m. A Graveside service will immediately follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com