Darlene D. Hanke

Darlene Doris Hanke, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, at Northcentral Healthcare – Mount View Care Center, Wausau, WI. She was 83 years old.

Born on March 17, 1942, at Memorial Hospital in Wausau to parents Wilbert and Mildred (Fehlhaber) Dahlke, Darlene spent her life rooted in the community she cherished. Her warmth, resilience, and unwavering kindness touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Darlene married Orville Hanke on September 7th, 1963 at St Peter Lutheran Church in Hamburg, WI.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Orville Hanke, daughters Karla (Rick) Radtke, Kim (Jeff) Wunsch, and four beloved Grandchildren, DJ Radtke, Carter, Kendall, & Cole Wunsch.

She is also survived by her sister Donna (Harold) Sturm, brothers Dale (Barb) Dahlke, and DuWayne (Pat) Dahlke, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mildred & Wilbert Dahlke.

Darlene was a proud and devoted mother to her daughters, Kim Dawn Wunsch and Karla Jean Radtke, and a proud grandmother to Derek James Radtke, Carter Alan Wunsch, Kendall Grace Wunsch, and Cole Jeffrey Wunsch. Her family was her greatest joy, and she nurtured each relationship with care, laughter, and unconditional love.

Faith was the cornerstone of Darlene’s life. She was an active member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Marathon, Wisconsin, where she served in many roles over the years. She held numerous leadership positions including President and Secretary of both the Ladies Aid and Mission Circle, Altar Guild President, Serving Group Chairperson, and LWMS Reporter. She also served faithfully as the church historian, preserving the stories and spirit of her congregation for future generations. In her early years Darlene also taught Sunday School at St. Peter’s.

Beyond her church, Darlene gave generously of her time and heart. She volunteered for over twenty years at Grant Elementary School, assisting her niece Michelle, and found great joy in providing childcare for Alexandria, Gavin, and Madison Matthiae. Darlene’s students all affectionately referred to her as “Grandma”.

Darlene also spent a great deal of time on the dairy and ginseng farm helping ensure all the work was getting done and as importantly that everyone who often helped had plenty to eat.

She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her devotion to faith and family, and her ability to make any place feel like home. Whether through her thoughtful words, her quiet strength, or her generous heart, she brought comfort and joy to those around her.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and compassion that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Funeral service will be 5:00 PM Sunday, November 16, 2025 at St Matthews Evangelical Lutheran Church, Marathon. Rev. Jon Hadler will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:30 PM until the time of service all at the church. Entombment will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the incredible healthcare team at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Mount View Care Center.

In liue of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthews.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com