Obituary: Capt. Michael Hanlin

Capt. Michael Hanlin of East Moline, Ill., died on October 12 at his home. Hanlin was 83.

Born 1942 in Keokuk, Iowa, Hanlin served in Vietnam as an F-4 Phantom pilot in the United States Marine Corps. After his service, Hanlin graduated with his master’s degree in education from Western Illinois University and the University of Iowa in 1971.

Hanlin started as an industrial arts teacher at United Township High School and later moved to the roles of assistant principal and superintendent until he retired in 1995. A riverboat captain through college, Hanlin’s love for the Mississippi River extended through the rest of his life.

After his retirement from education, Hanlin joined the crew of the river cleanup nonprofit Living Lands & Waters (LL&W), started by former student Chad Pregracke. Hanlin was an integral part of LL&W’s founding days and became the organization’s first captain. He drove Living Lands & Waters’ first vessel, a 180 hp., 25-foot Vietnam-era bridge-building towboat retrofitted by Pregracke.

“He was the only one who would drive it,” Pregracke said, fondly. “He kept us safe. He was always up for an adventure and new places. He was a really good-spirited guy.”

Hanlin continued to captain other Living Lands & Waters vessels, including the mv. River Clean Up I. He also lent a hand in LL&W cleanups for more than a decade.

“[Capt. Hanlin’s] skill, passion and adventurous spirit set the tone for who we are today,” LL&W said in announcing his death. “We’ll forever be indebted to him and are grateful for the legacy he left on the river.”

Hanlin was preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Brenda, and two siblings. He is survived by five children, seven grandchildren and one sister-in-law.

A celebration of life luncheon was held on October 23 in Hampton, Ill.