Lee Arthur Hanzalik

Lee Arthur Hanzalik, 65, of Alice, Texas, passed away on August 7th, 2025, in Portland, Texas, after a brief and aggressive illness. While his time on earth was shorter than anyone hoped, he filled his life with love, laughter, and a whole lot of fishing, and probably has the best fishing spot available in Heaven. Born on March 10th, 1960, Lee grew up with a strong work ethic and an even stronger personality. Over the years, he worked in the oil field, as a small engine repairman, and eventually owned and operated the Live Oak RV Park in Rockport before settling down for retirement in Alice. Both communities were places where he laid down his roots and flourished within the local communities and gave his all for them. Lee was a man who would never skip the opportunity to speak his mind, and those who knew him loved him for it. He was a true red, white, and blue-blooded American, as patriotic to his core as anyone could get, and he would never fail to leave the house without an article of clothing representing his love for God or his country. To his admiration for Donald Trump to his ever-growing collection of Americana memorabilia, Lee lived out his love for his country each second of every day. If he wasn't talking about his faith or country, more often than not, he was out fishing with his best friend, Ronny. Their love for the wide open ocean and the creatures within fueled their numerous fishing trips. Some of Lee's happiest moments were on the boat in the middle of the Gulf with Ronny at their favorite spot, lines cast and hours passing without notice. He never missed the chance to grab his fishing rod and spend the day soaking up the sun and taking in the salt of the ocean. Those who knew Lee knew that a day of fishing meant a day filled with plenty of laughs and maybe a few tall tales. After a day of fishing, one might have spotted Lee at the local bowling alley, trying to (and more than likely succeeding) in proving that he was a skilled bowler. His friends in the Alice bowling community grew to love his personality and his presence within the bowling alley. He always hoped that he could get back into the swing of the bowler he was in the 90s, and he did his best to get back to his glory days in Alice. Although he lived the majority of his life in Texas, he never forgot about his roots in Minnesota and all of his extended family who lived there. Fondly remembered as "Minnow", his childhood friends and cousins always remembered him as the kid who always lived life vicariously, even if he hadn't become a grown man quite yet. Above all, Lee loved being a daddy. After marrying his first wife, Kathy in 1991, he became the proudest father of his daughter, Sarah, in 2000, who always showed up for him even when life hadn't been the easiest. His baby was his proudest accomplishment, and he never stopped striving to be the best dad that he could be. Despite life's struggles, his love and devotion as a father never wavered, and that was something his closest friends always saw with each encounter. Despite life's bumps and moments of uncertainty, Lee gave his life to Jesus Christ and lived by the Bible as closely as he could. In his final days on Earth, while his illness moved within his body and took over his mind, he faced it with courage and peace, eager to come face to face with Jesus once and for all, and could not wait to be held in the Arms of his Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his second wife Marie Ernest, parents John and Jane Hanzalik, and his brothers Dale Hanzalik, John Hanzalik, and Al Hanzalik. He is survived by his pride and joy, his daughter Sarah Hanzalik of Pleasanton, Texas, older brother Don Hanzalik of Orange Grove, Texas, nephew John Hanzalik (Jessika) of Corpus Christi, Texas, his fishing buddy and best friend Ronny (Andrea) Claes of Ingleside, Texas, longtime buddy Holly Bacy, as well as numerous cousins, friends, bowling buddies, fishing pals, and brothers and sisters in Christ that he met throughout the years. There will be no formal funeral services, but a Celebration of Life will be taking place in the month of September to honor Lee before he is placed at his final resting place. On behalf of his daughter, we thank you for the constant love and prayers throughout the weeks following Lee's passing. Your prayers are not unheard, and your love is always felt.

Lee Arthur Hanzalik

March 10, 1960 - August 7, 2025