Frank Joseph Haxel
Frank Joseph Haxel, 61, of Quincy, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020 at his home in Quincy, Illinois. Frank was born October 12, 1958, in Quincy, the son of George H. and Ruth C. (Niehaus) Haxel.
He was raised in Quincy and graduated from Quincy Senior High School. He married Marilyn (Dreyer) Crim on May 17, 1980 at St. Anthony Catholic Church and later married Cindy Vancil on July 5, 2003 at Vermont Street United Methodist Church in Quincy.
As a teenager, Frank began working at his parent’s business, Motor Valet Car Wash, located at 35th and State Street in Quincy. He spent many years managing it and expanding it, working alongside his father and brother. When the business closed in 2013, he engaged his building expertise through employment with Austin Properties and subsequently pursued his interest in custom woodworking through employment at McClain Creek Woodworks. Additionally, Frank began working with his wife at her dance studio in 2004 in various operational capacities. He was instrumental in establishing a music offering at the studio in 2009, rebranded collectively as the Vancil Performing Arts Center, located at 8th and Ohio Streets. As a “jack of all trades”, his responsibilities were varied, and he took pride in building out the new music studio and managing its daily operations.
Frank had a selfless passion for improving the lives of others through his work and volunteer activities willingly bestowing smiles and a helping hand. He was a devoted supporter of Six String Heroes, a non-profit which provides guitar lessons and materials for military veterans to help them cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and other disabilities. He was also an ardent advocate for the We Back the Blue campaign, founded in 2015, which honors and rallies public support for local law enforcement. This parlayed into his role as an organizer of the Red, White and Back the Blue Festival to show support for emergency services personnel and provide public education.
In addition to his wife Cindy and his parents, he is survived by his two children, Daniel (Morgan Putman) Haxel of Chicago, IL and Kristina Haxel of Quincy, IL; his granddaughter Bella Geise of Quincy; his siblings, Phil (Cheryl Wiewel) Haxel of Quincy, Monica Haxel of Chicago, Cindy (Tom) Stupavsky of Quincy, Pam (George) Dreyer of Quincy, Patti (Roger) Walsh of Elmhurst, IL, Melinda (Paul) Niemann of St. Charles, MO; the mother of his children, Marilyn Crim of Quincy; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his infant brother, and many aunts and uncles.
Due to COVID-I9 restrictions, a private funeral will be held at Duker and Haugh Funeral Home followed by interment in Calvary Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in Frank Haxel’s memory to the Bay City Foundation to support Quincy’s first responders by mailing the donation to 635 S. 57th Street, Quincy, IL or to Duker and Haugh Funeral Home at 823 Broadway, Quincy, IL.
I’m so, so sorry about Frank. I enjoyed our weekly time together while my son took lessons at Vancil. I hope his memory is a blessing.
Frank was best man in our wedding in 1978. He and my husband Tom were very close friends. We will miss Frank so much. He will always be our best man. Frank Tom and I both will remember all the good times we had together. RIP and we’ll meet on the other side.
So sorry to hear about Frank. I work at Home Depot and seen him quite often. He was a joy to be around. God bless you in this hard time. He will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is devastating for all concerned. My prayers are with you.
Aunt Ruth, Uncle George, and Family,
Words cannot express my feelings for you at your loss. Though our families lived far apart I fondly remember our trips from Peoria to Quincy and spending time with you. (I am one of Roy’s children.)
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Phil and Cindy, So sorry to hear about your brothers sudden passing. You have our sympathy. Thinking of you and your family.
Cindy, so sorry for your loss. Had many good times working with frank at Turner hall and blues in the district. If you ever need any help with anything,please call me. Mark
So sorry for your loss! Frank was such a nice guy! Prayers for his family.
Kevin and Cindy
Sorry for your loss
I was so sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. I handled the insurance at Bybee Insurance for the Haxel family business and so enjoyed working with all of them. Frank was so much fun and I really missed working with him. Prayers to the whole family..
To many GREAT stories to even start telling them. Awesome guy! Prayers to all of you. Hal, Jane, Kim and Kyle
Prayers and sincere condolences to all family and friends for your loss.
Deeply sorry for your loss… my prayers of comfort for the family ❤️
Cindy,
Bailey and I are so sorry for your loss! Peace be with you. Frank was the backbone of every performance. No doubt his presence and expertise will be missed at every show. You are in our thoughts.
Dear Monica, Patti and families. My deepest condolences to all of you. May your brothers beautiful memory be eternal. Love to all of you. Betsy
I have known Frank for a very long time. My deepest condolences to the family.
Cindy,
I am so sorry to hear about Frank. Sending thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Losing a sibling is such a different emotion. We pray for your peace and memories that keep him with you
Cindy, be assured we are thinking of you and your family during this unbelievable devastating time for you. We are close by in body and spirit, so please don’t hesitate to call us.
Love,
Karen
To Cindy and the Haxel Family, Frank and “Toot” shared many woodworking stories,was a regular at our auctions, always willing to help, a good guy and friend who will be missed. OMG we are so sorry for your huge loss. Also for the girls at the dance studio who depended on him and his talents. We are sending our prayers and hugs since we can’t be there. God bless.
So sorry to hear this news. Frank was a great Man and I’m grateful to have worked with him. God bless all Family members during this difficult time.
I’m sorry for your loss and have fond memories of time with your family and recall Frank’s sense of humor.
There is a huge whole in my heart. Frank was an unbelievable human and my friend.
It is hard to think of to many more people that have meant so much to so many.
Frank, keep a beer cold and a seat warm, we will see you soon.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.
I express my deepest deepest sympathy. God bless
Love,
Debra
Our sympathies to you and your family especially at this difficult time. As a cousin( Carl and Winnie’s daughter) I remember coming to his house for special occasions like the anniversary of Grandma and Grandpa Niehaus. Frank was a really nice person to have known.