In 1996 John Hanewall Jr. ’78 and his wife, Luan, were looking for something to do as a couple. Instead of turning to traditional partner hobbies like cooking or ballroom dance, they donned colored wigs and red noses and started clowning.
While it might sound like they chose clowning on a whim, Hanewall’s parents were also clowns. “That was the impetus,” John Jr. says. “We saw them as mentors and saw how fun it was. As we say, it’s a lot more fun being in the parade than watching it.”
In addition to parades, Hanewall and his wife perform as Luther (yes, Luther!) and Lu-Cee at a range of community events and programs, from YWCA Family Fun Nights to corporate picnics to nursing homes.
Hanewall has delighted thousands of spectators through his clowning and has racked up scores of awards, including the 2015 Midwest Clown Association award for All Around Clown (he also won the title in 2008 and 2011). According to Hanewall, judging for the top honor includes three categories: makeup; single skit, in which a clown performs a solo prepared bit; and paradeability, in which clowns take turns traveling down a 200-yard “parade route” lined with people.
In addition to his funny business, Hanewall is director of the Rock County (Wis.) Development Disabilities Board, where he oversees contracted services with 50 agencies and a $32 million budget. “It certainly is a different frame of mind when you’re clowning versus sitting as an administrator,” he says. But sometimes the two worlds collide, for example when Hanewall trots Luther out for a day-services program.
Hanewall also teaches psychology courses at Upper Iowa University, where Luther occasionally guest lectures. “When I’m teaching counseling techniques, an eight-week course, Luther goes in for a night as Professor Luther Von Fritzeneric and teaches about dealing with stress management,” he explains.
Stress management indeed—just try saying “Professor Luther Von Fritzeneric” with a straight face.