John Michael 'Opie' Hanig
March 2, 1954 - May 16, 2020

Public graveside services for John Michael “Opie” Hanig, 66, of Chamberlain, SD, were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020, at Riverview Cemetery of Chamberlain, SD.
Public visitation with rotational limiting of ten people took place from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2020, at Hickey Funeral Chapel of Chamberlain, SD.
John Michael “Opie” Hanig died May 16, 2020, at Oacoma, SD.
John Michael “Opie” Hanig was born March 2, 1954, at Gregory, SD, to John A. and Orvilla (Boes) Hanig.
He was raised on the family farm south of Reliance, SD.
John attended country school until high school where he graduated from Chamberlain High School of Chamberlain, SD, in 1972.
After graduation, he worked road construction for Gustafson Construction and drove truck for Gary Goodman Trucking.
On April 22, 1978, John married Sandy Kenyon. Together they had one daughter, Samantha. From 1986 to 1997, they owned and operated Dakotah Floral.
John worked for Chamberlain Wholesale for 30 years. He made many great friends across the state on his daily travels for the Wholesale. He was set to retire in the next few weeks to continue his love of his lawn irrigation business, Optimum Performance Irrigation Equipment (O.P.I.E.). John was very proud of his business and treasured every minute he got to spend doing it. He loved that he was able to name his business after his childhood nickname, “Opie.”
John was a people person. He loved to visit with everyone. He was especially proud of his grandson, Maxon (Max). He was notorious for showing pictures and videos of Max’s accomplishments. He was looking forward
to his retirement and being able to attend more of Max’s sporting events.
John was a member of the Chamberlain/Oacoma Fire Department and is an honorary member.
He was also a member of the Lakers Car Club. John had a deep appreciation of cars. He talked endlessly how he was going to restore his 1970 Chevelle SS for his grandson to have in high school.
He was surrounded by a great group of men who encouraged him to enjoy life. He always looked forward to his evenings with the AA (Adams Agency) group. He was looking forward to having more time and traveling to the Black Hills of South Dakota and riding his motorcycle with the boys.
Above all else, John was fiercely proud of his daughter, his son-in-law and his pride and joy grandson. He was also a loyal brother who dedicated his time to those he loved. There was nothing he would not do for his family.
He leaves a hole in many of our hearts and will be greatly missed by many. In the words of John – “Tally-Ho” and “Stay cool.”
Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter, Samantha Speed and husband, Ryan and grandson, Maxon Speed of Rapid City, SD; siblings, Gary (Fritz) Hanig and wife, Ruth Ann of Rapid City, SD, Jean Beckman of Chamberlain, SD, Ann Thiel and husband, Boyd of Chamberlain, SD, Tony Hanig and Terami Frantz Nespor of Winner, SD, and Jim Hanig and wife, Betty of Pukwana, SD; aunts, Shirley Vosicka of Gregory, SD, and Wanda Engel of Winner, SD; a special uncle, Donnie Hanig and wife, Eleanor of Winner, SD; his “adopted” sons, Kevin Olesen and wife, Leslie of Chamberlain, SD, and Luke Giese and wife, Hilary of Chamberlain, SD, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Orvilla Hanig; a brother, Mark Hanig; a brother-in-law, Erv Beckman and two half-sisters, Cleo Binder and Joyce Olson.
Hickey Funeral Chapel of Chamberlain, SD, was in charge of arrangements.
The obituary may be seen at www.hickeyfuneralchapel.com.