- Born on: May 19, 1934
- Departed on: June 23, 2008
William Parry Hanke
Bill was an old friend of my husband Bob and became my friend too. You could not have asked for a better one. He will be sorely missed . My heart goes out to his whole family and my thoughts and prayers are with them in this most difficult time.
Our condolences & prayers to the family. A class mate of Bills Jim Irving,
Our condolences & prayers to the family. A class mate of Bills Jim Irving,
My memories of "Uncle Bill" take me back to 1030 Water Street....what a fun place for an only child! LOTS of cousins to play with. While we were busy playing, Uncle Bill was busy doing "projects" around the house...listening to Johnny Cash! I do have this memory of him making homemade cinnamon rolls. Yum! He must've been a jack of all trades...and a handsome one at that! :-} Much love to you, Aunt Mary, as well as all my Hanke cousins....xoxoxo
I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My prayers go out to the whole family.
I remember one trip back to Iowa in the 1980's where we stayed at that really cool house in Dennison. Really cool - I loved that house. I had just finished freeing up the "centrifical advance weights" in the distributor of someone's car (Jane's?) with Bruce, to solve a slight timing advance problem, and noticed a rusted out pickup truck. As I recall, Bill owned this brown, VERY rusted-out truck, but even if it wasn't his, he explained to me just how rust works and why the fenders of that truck were so rusted out. That was some cool information for me at the time because I was employed in a body shop where I repaired alot of rust sometimes. I remember Bill being a good man, one who was easy to talk to and who had a good sense of humor. Here's to Bill, in good memory. My condolences to all, including Ivan.
or how about vacueming out the cracks in the sidewalk ? he did so many funny things , like cj has said [sort of joking, sort of not]about dad waiting with a rake poised upward towards a tree when he was doing lawnwork , waiting for a leaf to fall.or looking for any piece of wood so he could put it in his new outdoor fireplace thing he got for christmas once .and losing his hearing aid or something and finding it much later in the eaves trough when he was cleaning out the gutters . he was always losing something .
or how about vacueming out the cracks in the sidewalk ? he did so many funny things , like cj has said [sort of joking, sort of not]about dad waiting with a rake poised upward towards a tree when he was doing lawnwork , waiting for a leaf to fall.or looking for any piece of wood so he could put it in his new outdoor fireplace thing he got for christmas once .and losing his hearing aid or something and finding it much later in the eaves trough when he was cleaning out the gutters . he was always losing something .
I remember one trip back to Iowa in the 1980's where we stayed at that really cool house in Dennison. Really cool - I loved that house. I had just finished freeing up the "centrifical advance weights" in the distributor of someone's car (Jane's?) with Bruce, to solve a slight timing advance problem, and noticed a rusted out pickup truck. As I recall, Bill owned this brown, VERY rusted-out truck, but even if it wasn't his, he explained to me just how rust works and why the fenders of that truck were so rusted out. That was some cool information for me at the time because I was employed in a body shop where I repaired alot of rust sometimes. I remember Bill being a good man, one who was easy to talk to and who had a good sense of humor. Here's to Bill, in good memory. My condolences to all, including Ivan.
Glad I am and glad I'll be knowing you like the likes of me
Am sorry to hear of your loss. Reading all your names brought back a flood of Water Street memories. How wonderful that you have this large family to keep your fathers memory alive. God Bless, Amy
My Dad was humble, caring, thoughtful, wiser than he sometimes came across, strong, brave, heroic, loving, humorous, Irish, and in some of his last words "Proud to love your Mom". May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face May the rains fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Condolences to Mary Hanke & family. Bill suffered a long time — his recent surgery had been brought forth at our last class reunion — and we prayed for him. Mary, I remember when you, your Mother, Gary, and 3 other younger members moved in on the other side of the large duplex on the corner of Wilson & Elm. You and I had some great times playing. Our prayers are ongoing for you and the rest of your family.
From 1030 Water St. to 1528 2nd Ave. S., my personal memories evoke immense fondness for Uncle Bill. He was a quiet man, but if you were ever fortunate enough to share his space or converse with him, clearly, the knowledge & talents he had were amazing, and stories he shared were always so intriging! I will often picture him leaning next to a counter or wall with a cup of coffee in his hand & a gentle smile on his face. & oh! i loved his wonderful, unique laugh! :)
My Dad was humble, caring, thoughtful, wiser than he sometimes came across, strong, brave, heroic, loving, humorous, Irish, and in some of his last words "Proud to love your Mom". May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face May the rains fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Am sorry to hear of your loss. Reading all your names brought back a flood of Water Street memories. How wonderful that you have this large family to keep your fathers memory alive. God Bless, Amy
My dad was a very strong man, even to the end. Just a few months ago, he was doing light yard work and even riding his exercise bike a few times a day! There are so many funny stories where "Bill" is involved and Christopher tells them the best!! The story about his coffee cans nicely labeled in his neat block letters..one labeled "ASSORTED NUTS AND BOLTS" and another "MISCELLANEOUS NUTS AND BOLTS" or the time Meg told him there were fudgesicles in the freezer and he replied "Oh I don't know...I think they are nice people." He also liked to shop vac...outside! He was most famous for his Irish poems. His presence will be deeply missed. His favorite daughter (ok,just kidding!) Linda Lou from Kalamazoo
My memory of Bill was a hard working loving Husband and Father. I was fortunate to have a very nice conversation with him a few weeks ago. It is a fond memory I will cherish. He loved his family and spoke highly of every one of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
My condolences go out to the entire family; may the many good memories you have give you strength through this difficult time.
My earliest memories of Uncle Bill are fleeting, for he always seemed to be on the way to work whenever we'd visit the Water Street house. He'd give a gruff hello and then be gone. But you could still detect his presence in the house--from a distance, he could keep you on your toes. When I was older I'd appreciate how well that gruffness suited him, as well as the friendly spirit behind it. One night in October 1995, Tina and I stayed with Mary and Bill in Denison on our way back to Denver, at the end of a long east coast trip. They took us out to dinner, and later Bill showed us the birdhouses he'd been working on. Tina was drawn to a dark gray one with a light gray roof, and Bill gave it to us. When we were leaving the next morning, there were hugs all around--or almost. "I don't do that stuff," Bill said. So we got a handshake instead. It's heartening, though not surprising, that Uncle Bill left this life with his dignity intact. I'm just sorry that Willa never met him. She would have loved his ornery side. Tina and I miss him more than we might have expected, but we'll always have the birdhouse. It's a keeper. Good to hear that Uncle Bill's memorial service was such a nice one. No doubt he'd have loathed all the attention, but he deserved it. God bless all the Hankes out there.
Glad I am and glad I'll be knowing you like the likes of me
God bless you, Dad. As much as we miss you, we know you are glorious in Heavenly Peace. And, as Molly said, we'll see you again in the blink of an eye.
To Mary and family, I did not learn of Bill's passing until I tried to email him in July. I am so sorry for all of you, but I do know that he is free of pain and enjoying himself with all his family and friends including my father Bill. I was never able to meet him, but did so enjoy corresponding and talking with him about genealogy and his remembrances of when he and dad were young. God Bless You All, Janet
My dad was a very strong man, even to the end. Just a few months ago, he was doing light yard work and even riding his exercise bike a few times a day! There are so many funny stories where "Bill" is involved and Christopher tells them the best!! The story about his coffee cans nicely labeled in his neat block letters..one labeled "ASSORTED NUTS AND BOLTS" and another "MISCELLANEOUS NUTS AND BOLTS" or the time Meg told him there were fudgesicles in the freezer and he replied "Oh I don't know...I think they are nice people." He also liked to shop vac...outside! He was most famous for his Irish poems. His presence will be deeply missed. His favorite daughter (ok,just kidding!) Linda Lou from Kalamazoo
From 1030 Water St. to 1528 2nd Ave. S., my personal memories evoke immense fondness for Uncle Bill. He was a quiet man, but if you were ever fortunate enough to share his space or converse with him, clearly, the knowledge & talents he had were amazing, and stories he shared were always so intriging! I will often picture him leaning next to a counter or wall with a cup of coffee in his hand & a gentle smile on his face. & oh! i loved his wonderful, unique laugh! :)
To Mary and family; I was proud to be a classmate and friend of Bill. If I picked the top ten people in my life, Bill would be at the top. Just a few days ago, I was going to call Bill. Now, sorry I didn't. The best to you Mary.
I am sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My prayers go out to the whole family.
Thoughts are with the Hanke family from the Texas family, Jean, Louise, Cherie, Brett and Sarah. Am so happy we were all able to see so many of our families two years ago at Dean's. Love, Jean
I don't think anyone has ever been surrounded by more love than Dad was in the last week. Somehow I feel safer now, knowing he is in Heaven waiting for us.
Thoughts are with the Hanke family from the Texas family, Jean, Louise, Cherie, Brett and Sarah. Am so happy we were all able to see so many of our families two years ago at Dean's. Love, Jean
It is not an easy task to let go of a man such as my grandpa, but I pray we will find strength and empowerment in the brave yet humble way he left us. I am truly a blessed man to have the blood of this man in me. God gets another Soldier. "May I Fight for the weak and unknowing souls of this world my lord. Shall Your Strength pierce the deepest sea's and shake the mightiest stronghold's of the enemy" Amen. 1-1-03
God bless you, Dad. As much as we miss you, we know you are glorious in Heavenly Peace. And, as Molly said, we'll see you again in the blink of an eye.
Success: He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;who has left the world better than he found it, whether an improved poppy,a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;whose life was an inspiration;whose memory a benediction. Bessie Anderson Stanley He had to have been successful because all the kids of his I've met are!!As you endure your grief~keep your memories alive and share them with others.
I don't think anyone has ever been surrounded by more love than Dad was in the last week. Somehow I feel safer now, knowing he is in Heaven waiting for us.
To Mary and family; I was proud to be a classmate and friend of Bill. If I picked the top ten people in my life, Bill would be at the top. Just a few days ago, I was going to call Bill. Now, sorry I didn't. The best to you Mary.
Success: He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;who has left the world better than he found it, whether an improved poppy,a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;whose life was an inspiration;whose memory a benediction. Bessie Anderson Stanley He had to have been successful because all the kids of his I've met are!!As you endure your grief~keep your memories alive and share them with others.
Condolences to Mary Hanke & family. Bill suffered a long time — his recent surgery had been brought forth at our last class reunion — and we prayed for him. Mary, I remember when you, your Mother, Gary, and 3 other younger members moved in on the other side of the large duplex on the corner of Wilson & Elm. You and I had some great times playing. Our prayers are ongoing for you and the rest of your family.
To Mary and family, I did not learn of Bill's passing until I tried to email him in July. I am so sorry for all of you, but I do know that he is free of pain and enjoying himself with all his family and friends including my father Bill. I was never able to meet him, but did so enjoy corresponding and talking with him about genealogy and his remembrances of when he and dad were young. God Bless You All, Janet
I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's death. I lived on Water St. when Bill and Mary bought the "old, spooky" house and made it new again. I remember Bill as a strong, handsome young man. I think I'll continue to remember him that way. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and family. Your great memories will keep Bill with you forever.
My condolences go out to the entire family; may the many good memories you have give you strength through this difficult time.
Dear Mary, childlren and extended family of my classmate, esteemed friend and a rare gentleman. At our last reunion, the first Bill had missed, he was talked about and prayers were lifted. We reminisced about the joys of growing up together and graduating with Lincoln High Class of 1952. We remember you kindly and lovingly, and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers, never forgetting the humble path you trod as one of God's faithful through life's journey. Thanks, Bill, and God Bless!
My earliest memories of Uncle Bill are fleeting, for he always seemed to be on the way to work whenever we'd visit the Water Street house. He'd give a gruff hello and then be gone. But you could still detect his presence in the house--from a distance, he could keep you on your toes. When I was older I'd appreciate how well that gruffness suited him, as well as the friendly spirit behind it. One night in October 1995, Tina and I stayed with Mary and Bill in Denison on our way back to Denver, at the end of a long east coast trip. They took us out to dinner, and later Bill showed us the birdhouses he'd been working on. Tina was drawn to a dark gray one with a light gray roof, and Bill gave it to us. When we were leaving the next morning, there were hugs all around--or almost. "I don't do that stuff," Bill said. So we got a handshake instead. It's heartening, though not surprising, that Uncle Bill left this life with his dignity intact. I'm just sorry that Willa never met him. She would have loved his ornery side. Tina and I miss him more than we might have expected, but we'll always have the birdhouse. It's a keeper. Good to hear that Uncle Bill's memorial service was such a nice one. No doubt he'd have loathed all the attention, but he deserved it. God bless all the Hankes out there.
My memories of "Uncle Bill" take me back to 1030 Water Street....what a fun place for an only child! LOTS of cousins to play with. While we were busy playing, Uncle Bill was busy doing "projects" around the house...listening to Johnny Cash! I do have this memory of him making homemade cinnamon rolls. Yum! He must've been a jack of all trades...and a handsome one at that! :-} Much love to you, Aunt Mary, as well as all my Hanke cousins....xoxoxo
Bill was an old friend of my husband Bob and became my friend too. You could not have asked for a better one. He will be sorely missed . My heart goes out to his whole family and my thoughts and prayers are with them in this most difficult time.
It is not an easy task to let go of a man such as my grandpa, but I pray we will find strength and empowerment in the brave yet humble way he left us. I am truly a blessed man to have the blood of this man in me. God gets another Soldier. "May I Fight for the weak and unknowing souls of this world my lord. Shall Your Strength pierce the deepest sea's and shake the mightiest stronghold's of the enemy" Amen. 1-1-03
My memory of Bill was a hard working loving Husband and Father. I was fortunate to have a very nice conversation with him a few weeks ago. It is a fond memory I will cherish. He loved his family and spoke highly of every one of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Dear Mary, childlren and extended family of my classmate, esteemed friend and a rare gentleman. At our last reunion, the first Bill had missed, he was talked about and prayers were lifted. We reminisced about the joys of growing up together and graduating with Lincoln High Class of 1952. We remember you kindly and lovingly, and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers, never forgetting the humble path you trod as one of God's faithful through life's journey. Thanks, Bill, and God Bless!
I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's death. I lived on Water St. when Bill and Mary bought the "old, spooky" house and made it new again. I remember Bill as a strong, handsome young man. I think I'll continue to remember him that way. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and family. Your great memories will keep Bill with you forever.
