Gerald L. Hanke

Gerald L. Hanke, 81, Wausau, went to the arms of his loving Lord on Monday, July 15, 2013 in Wausau. He was born April 23, 1932 in the town of Rib Falls, son of the late Lawrence and LaVera (Brandt) Hanke. On May 18, 1957, he married Dawn Boerner at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Wausau. She survives. In his younger years, Gerald helped on the family farm. Later he was employed at Marathon Electric, retiring after 38 years. He was a member of the Wausau Elks Lodge #248, and an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church. Among his favorite pastimes he enjoyed woodworking, picking berries, telling stories and always looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Canada with family and friends. Together, Gerald and Dawn loved traveling, especially their trips to Mazatlan and Door County. Survivors include his wife Dawn Hanke, two children; Tami Wirth, and Karl (Annie) Hanke, four grandchildren, Brandon Wirth, Abbey Roy, Karlie and Gabrielle Hanke; all of Wausau. Three sisters, Mercedes Myszkowski, Eunice (LeRoy) Stark, Wausau and Iris (John) Diel, Weston; one brother, Virgil Hanke, Wausau. One brother-in-law, James (Betty) Boerner, Wausau; two sisters-in-law, Germayne Matzke, and Virjean (Ray) Loy, Weston; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 pm on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau. Memorial service will begin at 6:00pm, the Rev. Tim Vanden Langenberg will officiate. There will be a Lodge of Sorrow service conducted by the Elks Lodge #248 following the memorial service. Dinner at the church following the services. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Wausau Elks Lodge #248, in c/o Gerald Hanke scholarship fund. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonrkraemer.com