Johanna Van Zyl

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Hanlie (Johanna) van Zyl, who passed away on November 1, 2026, at the age of 59, following complications from cancer.

Hanlie was a devoted wife, a loving mother, an adoring grandmother, and a cherished friend. She leaves behind her husband of 40 years, Thomas van Zyl; her two daughters, Ula and Landi; her son-in-law, Grant Geyer; and the lights of her life, her two grandsons, Thomas and Lincoln Geyer, as well as many beloved family members and friends.

Hanlie had a beautiful way of making people feel seen, heard, and cared for. She possessed a rare gift for connecting with others, offering genuine kindness, warmth, and compassion to everyone she met. Her thoughtful nature shone through in the little things she did for those around her, whether it was a carefully chosen gift, something lovingly made by hand, or a simple act of service that spoke louder than words.

This gift for connecting with people was especially evident in her work at the Kearny County Senior Center, a place that became very dear to her heart. Hanlie truly loved her job and found great joy and purpose in the time she spent there. More than simply a workplace, it was a community where she formed meaningful friendships and treasured the relationships she built with both the seniors and her colleagues. She was deeply grateful for the warmth, kindness, friendship, and support they showed her, particularly during difficult times. The people she met there held a special place in her heart, and the time she shared with them meant more to her than words could express.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures: getting lost in a good book, listening to music, finding meaning in poetry and song lyrics, watching movies, sewing, and creating beautiful things with her hands. She loved the comforting scent of vanilla, the sweetness of cinnamon treats, and the laughter that came from a good joke. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, she had a way of bringing lightness and laughter into the lives of those around her.

She also had a special place in her heart for her beloved dogs, Didi, who passed before her, and Dapper, who remains a much-loved part of the family.

But above all else, Hanlie's greatest love was her family. She treasured her husband and daughters, and nothing brought her more happiness than her two grandsons, Thomas and Lincoln. They were her pride, her joy, and the source of countless smiles. The love she had for them was immeasurable, and the memories they shared will forever be among the family's most precious treasures.

Hanlie expressed her love not only through words, but through everything she did. She gave generously of her time, her creativity, and herself, always thinking of ways to make life a little brighter for the people she loved. Her kindness was never for recognition; it was simply who she was.

We lost Hanlie far too soon. There were more memories to make, more stories to share, more laughter to enjoy, and more moments together that we wish we could have had.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives, her love remains woven into the fabric of our family. It lives on in the things she taught us, the traditions she created, the gifts she made, the songs she loved, and the countless small acts of kindness that made her so special.

Hanlie will be remembered for her gentle heart, her generous spirit, her wonderful humor, and, most of all, the extraordinary love she gave so freely.

She was deeply loved, she will be profoundly missed, and she will never be forgotten.

Forever in our hearts.

Flowers may be ordered through:

Details Flower Shop 200 W Santa Fe Trail Blvd, Lakin KS 67860 620 355 3867 or

Bloom and Brush 218 N Main St, Lakin KS 67860 620 640 4019

And donations can made in her name to Kearny County Senior Center.