Obituary for Daniel Hanke
Daniel A. Hanke passed into the loving arms of our Savior on Thursday, Feb 11th, surrounded by loved ones. Dan was born on March 17, 1953, in Winona, Minnesota. He married his wife, Sheryl, in 1974 and they were blessed with 3 children and 4 grandchildren. He served his Lord as Family Minister at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sparta, WI, for 20 years. Prior to that he served in Law Enforcement in South Dakota. He recently retired to Big Bend, WI. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, camping in the Boundary Waters of Northern Mn, and any activities with his local Lion's Club.
He will be reunited in heaven someday with his wife Sheryl (Lillge), children Kristi (Peter) Jensen, Nathan (Jamie) Hanke, Kari (Dan) Schultz, his parents Willis and Geraldine Hanke, Sisters Lynda, Marlys, Eileen, Sharon, Karen, Brothers Jim, Tom, John, Tim, as well as many other family members and dear friends.
His life changed completely when he became a “Bumpa”. He loved his 4 grandchildren fiercely and never missed an opportunity to sit and tell them stories about his childhood, ask them about their day, make them laugh or read them a book. We knew he was smitten when he snuggled in to watch “Frozen” with his granddaughter, a surprising choice for this John Wayne/Old Western movie fan.
Dan touched many lives throughout his life and ministry, but he will certainly be remembered most for his sense of humor. He found a way to laugh his way through tough situations and helped others do the same. His sense of humor and complete trust in God’s plan for his life never wavered, even throughout his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Dan was a true patriot who loved his country and the opportunities it provided. He taught his children and grandchildren that their successes and their failures were their own, nobody else's. He instilled the belief that the direction their lives took directly correlated with the choices they made and h ow much they relied on the Lord's guidance. His strong faith, great sense of humor and ability to find the best in every situation was a blessing and an inspiration to everyone in his life.
A private service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, February 17th. The service will be live streamed and can be accessed using the link posted below.
A memorial for Dan will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sparta, WI, on Sunday, April 11th (8:00am and 10:30am services) as well as Monday, April 12th (6pm).
https://vimeo.com/511787215/b3120a2683
Dan Hanke Funeral
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the causes that Dan was passionate about.
Christ Lutheran School in Big Bend, Eastside Lutheran School in Madison, Lion's Eye Bank of Wisconsin,
Wisconsin Lions Special Needs Camp, or your local Lions Club
He will be reunited in heaven someday with his wife Sheryl (Lillge), children Kristi (Peter) Jensen, Nathan (Jamie) Hanke, Kari (Dan) Schultz, his parents Willis and Geraldine Hanke, Sisters Lynda, Marlys, Eileen, Sharon, Karen, Brothers Jim, Tom, John, Tim, as well as many other family members and dear friends.
His life changed completely when he became a “Bumpa”. He loved his 4 grandchildren fiercely and never missed an opportunity to sit and tell them stories about his childhood, ask them about their day, make them laugh or read them a book. We knew he was smitten when he snuggled in to watch “Frozen” with his granddaughter, a surprising choice for this John Wayne/Old Western movie fan.
Dan touched many lives throughout his life and ministry, but he will certainly be remembered most for his sense of humor. He found a way to laugh his way through tough situations and helped others do the same. His sense of humor and complete trust in God’s plan for his life never wavered, even throughout his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Dan was a true patriot who loved his country and the opportunities it provided. He taught his children and grandchildren that their successes and their failures were their own, nobody else's. He instilled the belief that the direction their lives took directly correlated with the choices they made and h ow much they relied on the Lord's guidance. His strong faith, great sense of humor and ability to find the best in every situation was a blessing and an inspiration to everyone in his life.
A private service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, February 17th. The service will be live streamed and can be accessed using the link posted below.
A memorial for Dan will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sparta, WI, on Sunday, April 11th (8:00am and 10:30am services) as well as Monday, April 12th (6pm).
https://vimeo.com/511787215/b3120a2683
Dan Hanke Funeral
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the causes that Dan was passionate about.
Christ Lutheran School in Big Bend, Eastside Lutheran School in Madison, Lion's Eye Bank of Wisconsin,
Wisconsin Lions Special Needs Camp, or your local Lions Club