Claire Hannasch

Claire Aubrey Hannasch, born on December 15, 2006, in Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on August 5, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas. At just 17 years old, Claire's life was a radiant testament to brilliance, determination, and compassion.

Dynamic and vivacious, Claire lit up every room she entered with her outgoing spirit and quick wit. She was always ready with a joke, and her hardworking nature made her a beloved friend to many. Her love for painting, art, music, travel, and pole vaulting reflected her multifaceted talents and interests.

A self-taught pianist and guitarist, Claire also mastered the Japanese language, showcasing her intellectual brilliance and dedication. She cherished her friends deeply, always supporting them in their endeavors.

Claire attended Blue Valley High School and was set to embark on a new journey at Clemson University in the fall. Her academic excellence was evident as she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 4.3 GPA. Claire was advanced a grade in middle school halfway through her 7th-grade year, allowing her to graduate a year early. She was the president of Students Assisting Students and a proud member of the National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society.

Her athletic achievements were equally impressive. She finished 4th at the 6A State meet in pole vault her senior year, was the Eastern Kansas League Pole Vault Champion, and finished 2nd in the Regional Championship. Beyond pole vaulting, Claire enjoyed running road races and completed multiple half marathons. Her early years saw her performing in the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade and excelling in dancing, gymnastics, cheer, horseback riding, and running.

Claire had a deep love for travel. In recent years, she traveled to Japan on a long-awaited COVID-delayed educational tour, where she immersed herself in the culture and developed a desire to explore more of the world. Recently, she visited the Mediterranean, exploring Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and Venice, as she planned to study Anthropology in college. With her father’s active duty military career, Claire lived in multiple states and schools, visiting cities across the U.S. She cherished a memorable road trip with her father through Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore.

Claire is survived by her loving family: mother Melanie, father Brandon, brother Cole, paternal grandparents Evelyn and Joseph, uncles Chris and his wife Shannon, Joe and his wife Stephanie with cousins Graham and Wesley, and David and his wife Karen. She also leaves behind many great aunts, uncles, and cousins, with family in Michigan and San Diego. Claire deeply admired and adored her pole vault coach, Tyler Lasche.

In her passing, Claire's decision to be an organ donor has allowed her to give the gift of life to many others. She made this choice when she obtained her license at 14, a testament to her selflessness and foresight. Her family supports suicide prevention in teens and encourages others to consider the importance of being an organ donor.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 12th, from 4 - 8 PM, with a small service at 6 PM at McGilley State Line Chapel, located at 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO.

Claire's light continues to shine in the lives she touched and the hearts she leaves behind.