David Jeffery Hanft

David Jeffery Hanft of Crown Point, IN, 43, passed away suddenly from a heart attack that occurred on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, while laughing with his wife and just two days shy of his 44th birthday. He is survived by his adoring wife of 15 years, Shanda; son, Gavin; brothers Jason (Nadine) and Shawn (Ashley); Step-children Jake, Jordan and Jenessa; Mother-in -law Teri Lovdal ; Step-mother Cheryl (Paul); sister, Rhiannon (Frederick); and step-brother Jordan (Shannon); Sisters-in Law, Sasha Sloup (Brent) and Shara Styles (William); Aunts Kathy Hanft, Debra Lee (Mike), Patryce Hanft; Uncles Richard (Michaela) Zimmerman and Rick Hanft and many nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to name. Preceded in death by his mother Colleen Zimmerman, father Donald Hanft, grandparents Richard and Arlene Zimmerman and Richard D. and Datha Hanft. Dave was a hard-working, devoted and loving husband, father, stepfather and a caring brother and stepbrother. Dave was especially close with both of his grandfathers growing up and they would both have been very proud of the man he became. David was a man not just of words, but also actions. He provided his wife Shanda and their children with a loving home and a horse farm which was a passion Dave and Shanda shared. All of their children, both biological and bonus, were always loved equally. David would sometimes drive them crazy with his love to debate but, that instilled morals, values and the need to be true to yourself in each of them, something they will always carry with them. Dave was a dedicated and passionate fourth generation member and officer of Ironworker Local 395, Hammond, IN being initiated in 2007. He was subsequently elected to Union Leadership Offices and also served admirably for the past 13 years as the Union’s Steward for AIS Construction at U.S. Steel’s Gary Works where he navigated and negotiated problem resolutions from pass control issues to initially get co-workers through the gate to retirement planning to get them out that same gate for the last time and diligently handling everything in between. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched, looked out for, fought for and helped. Visitation will be held 2:00 to 7:00 with a “time of sharing” beginning at 7:00 pm. on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the Burns Funeral Home, 10101 South Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307. Cremation to follow visitation

David Jeffery Hanft

September 6, 1980 - September 4, 2024