Dawn L. (Boerner) Hanke

For 56 out of 87 years, mom and dad danced.  They are dancing once again, only this time the music and the dance will never stop.  God took you to be together once again and live for eternity in his glorious heavenly home.

Dawn L. Hanke 8/1/36 - 5/29/24 passed away at her residence at Wellington Place in Rib Mountain with her children by her side.

She was born in the town of Stettin until she met her soul mate Gerald at a dance hall in Poniatowski, WI.  They married on May 18, 1957 at St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Wausau.  They lived on a hobby farm for 13 years, and mom loved to work in her gardens.

She was always working in her yard or making crafts. She was a homemaker and used her artistic creativity to make many floral designs for friends and also worked in a floral dept. Her and dad worked together at local craft fairs and enjoyed traveling to Mexico with family and friends.  She was a loving mother, wife, sister, and grandmother.

Dawn is survived by her two children Tami Wirth (Brian Stolzman) and Karl Hanke (Annie), Grandchildren Brandon Wirth, Abbey Roy (Anthony Ollis), Karlie Hanke (Jake Kraimer), Gabrielle Hanke (Alex Wilson), brother James Boerner, sisters Germayne Matzke, Virjean Loy (Ray) and many extended family and friends.

Dawn is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Gerald L Hanke, sister-in-law Betty Boerner, and brother-in-law Dean Matzke.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday June 4th at Wesley United Methodist Church 1101 Elm Street, Wausau. Visitation from 4:30-6:00 followed by a service and a coffee and cake social immediately after the service.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com