Audrey Marie Hankes Jr.

While this must be doubly hard for her family, we know that Aunt Audrey just needed to be with Uncle Joe. We''ll miss both of them. Rest well. Mike & Mary Schweiger

Our condolences. The Belair Family Sue, Phil, Lauren and Jessie

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Hankes family. We will greatly miss both Uncle Joe and Aunt Audrey. We remember the family gatherings at Swan park fondly

While this must be doubly hard for her family, we know that Aunt Audrey just needed to be with Uncle Joe. We''ll miss both of them. Rest well. Mike & Mary Schweiger

Our condolences. The Belair Family Sue, Phil, Lauren and Jessie

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Hankes family. We will greatly miss both Uncle Joe and Aunt Audrey. We remember the family gatherings at Swan park fondly

Great thkining! That really breaks the mold!

I was very sorry to hear of Rick's death. My condolences to his family.

The following is the eulogy that was read at Audrey''s Funeral Mass. Audrey Marie Hankes was born on October 9, 1928, to Felix and Evelyn Budde. They were of modest means, and not helped by the looming Depression. Despite the financial troubles of a growing family in such a difficult era, Audrey never felt poor during her childhood. She was surrounded by family, and they spent a lot of time on her grandpa''s farm, helping with chores, riding horses, and playing games in the fields. She later liked to recall favorite childhood memories, like the feeling of freedom when she would ice skate on the creek in the winter, or the days that she would wait outside for her dad to return from work, watching him as he appeared off in the distance walking toward home, her anticipation of time with daddy building as he got closer. As she grew into a young adult, she enjoyed singing with her sister Jean while doing the dishes, or the occasional privilege of a visit to the tavern with her brother Bob when Felix was there tending bar. After graduating from high school, Audrey worked as a telephone operator. She was very proud when she was named Chief Telephone Operator, making her the youngest in the state to hold that position. She also enjoyed participating in the stage productions of the St. Peter''s Drama Club. It was there that she met a dapper young man named Joe Hankes. While rehearsing for a show, Joe found he needed a date for a wedding, and asked Audrey to go with him. They soon began dating regularly. During their courtship they sometimes went on double dates with Jean and her new beau, Pepper Daniels. Fights over who would get the couch on a given evening did ensue, but it was a special time for two young couples destined to spend long lives together. Joe and Audrey married on June 28, 1948, and soon after marriage, the babies started coming (eight babies over the course of the next 23 years to be exact). Audrey became a homemaker, and worked very hard to keep up with the cooking, cleaning and tending of kids. She was already practiced as a mother from having cared for her younger sister Lynn, who was only a bit older than her own children. Lynn was the first of many who would eventually come to see Audrey as a second mother. Tragedy struck in 1953, when her firstborn son, Joey, died suddenly at home. Audrey''s grief was deep and wide, but it was her faith that pulled her through. As she and Joe continued to fill the house with babies, Audrey was gradually able to laugh again. And laugh she did! As time went on, and her children grew to be teens and young adults, there were all sorts of antics that kept her busy; firecrackers in the nun''s tulip bed, 5 year olds on the roof of the house, the angst of young daughters as they embarked on the dating scene, poker games around the dining room table, and countless meals there as well. Audrey loved her children through all of their happiness and trials, and the house was a welcoming place that brought the children''s friends around often. Audrey enjoyed having them there, and many of these friends of the family also began to think of her as "mom". Firecrackers eventually gave way to sports, dating, singing with the Young People, work, cars and motorcycles, and her children grew up, went off to college, and married. Soon there were grandchildren for Audrey to love. From her own mother she had learned to always keep the cookie jar full, but more importantly she treated every one of her grandchildren with kindness and respect, and was always interested in their lives. Countless phone calls, emails, and visits to her home attest to this. In quiet moments she prayed for her ever-growing circle of family and friends. Between her own kids and grandkids, nieces and nephews, neighbors, friends of the family and others, Audrey''s "children" became many. And she took great comfort in all of their joys, and great pride in their accomplishments. Time moved on, and Audrey faced another tragedy; her firstborn daughter, Beth, died suddenly. The sadness again was wide and deep, but soon after Beth''s passing Audrey had visits from her, and Beth was radiant and beautiful. Again, it was Audrey''s faith that gave her comfort. Soon, Joe suffered strokes and he became slowly but increasingly feeble. With the help of her family, she kept Joe at home as long as she could, caring for him with her loving hands and big heart. She had to move him to the nursing home after caring for him for so many years, and it hurt her to do this. She made her daily visits to Joe her life for almost a year, and he died with Audrey at his side, as they held hands. After Joe''s passing, we had high hopes that she would now have time for visits to St. Louis and Texas, and to go to the soccer, football and baseball games of her grandkids, but this was not to be. On Father''s Day weekend, after commemorating the 60th anniversary of her marriage to Joe, Audrey became ill. Throughout her illness, she stood steadfast in her faith. Audrey''s smile was beautiful and beaming whenever anyone prayed with her or over her. The day before Audrey passed away from this world, she said she was not afraid to die, and talked about who would be waiting for her in heaven. She then summoned her sisters, who miraculously appeared by the next morning. Her sisters prayed the rosary over her, and Audrey then felt her work here on earth was done. In the evening hours of July 16, a mere 68 days after Joe''s passing, several family members sat around her, chatting. Suddenly a silence filled the room. Sister Mary said, "Whenever there is silence, an angel comes in". Immediately thoughts went to Joey and Beth; and, indeed, Audrey took one last sigh, and was gone on angels'' wings. She died as she lived, with beauty and grace. Audrey leaves behind 6 children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, special nieces and nephews, relatives and friends who will always remember her delighted smiles upon greeting, and soft hugs. She will be greatly missed. For those of us that are finding difficulty in the passing of mom and dad in such a short amount of time, I am reminded of mom''s own advice. In particularly difficult times, when ending a phone call to any of us, she would tell us to hang up the phone, go to our children and spouses, give them a big hug, and tell them that you love them. In my love for my own family, I can feel mom''s legacy, and I know she will always be with us.

The following is the eulogy that was read at Audrey''s Funeral Mass. Audrey Marie Hankes was born on October 9, 1928, to Felix and Evelyn Budde. They were of modest means, and not helped by the looming Depression. Despite the financial troubles of a growing family in such a difficult era, Audrey never felt poor during her childhood. She was surrounded by family, and they spent a lot of time on her grandpa''s farm, helping with chores, riding horses, and playing games in the fields. She later liked to recall favorite childhood memories, like the feeling of freedom when she would ice skate on the creek in the winter, or the days that she would wait outside for her dad to return from work, watching him as he appeared off in the distance walking toward home, her anticipation of time with daddy building as he got closer. As she grew into a young adult, she enjoyed singing with her sister Jean while doing the dishes, or the occasional privilege of a visit to the tavern with her brother Bob when Felix was there tending bar. After graduating from high school, Audrey worked as a telephone operator. She was very proud when she was named Chief Telephone Operator, making her the youngest in the state to hold that position. She also enjoyed participating in the stage productions of the St. Peter''s Drama Club. It was there that she met a dapper young man named Joe Hankes. While rehearsing for a show, Joe found he needed a date for a wedding, and asked Audrey to go with him. They soon began dating regularly. During their courtship they sometimes went on double dates with Jean and her new beau, Pepper Daniels. Fights over who would get the couch on a given evening did ensue, but it was a special time for two young couples destined to spend long lives together. Joe and Audrey married on June 28, 1948, and soon after marriage, the babies started coming (eight babies over the course of the next 23 years to be exact). Audrey became a homemaker, and worked very hard to keep up with the cooking, cleaning and tending of kids. She was already practiced as a mother from having cared for her younger sister Lynn, who was only a bit older than her own children. Lynn was the first of many who would eventually come to see Audrey as a second mother. Tragedy struck in 1953, when her firstborn son, Joey, died suddenly at home. Audrey''s grief was deep and wide, but it was her faith that pulled her through. As she and Joe continued to fill the house with babies, Audrey was gradually able to laugh again. And laugh she did! As time went on, and her children grew to be teens and young adults, there were all sorts of antics that kept her busy; firecrackers in the nun''s tulip bed, 5 year olds on the roof of the house, the angst of young daughters as they embarked on the dating scene, poker games around the dining room table, and countless meals there as well. Audrey loved her children through all of their happiness and trials, and the house was a welcoming place that brought the children''s friends around often. Audrey enjoyed having them there, and many of these friends of the family also began to think of her as "mom". Firecrackers eventually gave way to sports, dating, singing with the Young People, work, cars and motorcycles, and her children grew up, went off to college, and married. Soon there were grandchildren for Audrey to love. From her own mother she had learned to always keep the cookie jar full, but more importantly she treated every one of her grandchildren with kindness and respect, and was always interested in their lives. Countless phone calls, emails, and visits to her home attest to this. In quiet moments she prayed for her ever-growing circle of family and friends. Between her own kids and grandkids, nieces and nephews, neighbors, friends of the family and others, Audrey''s "children" became many. And she took great comfort in all of their joys, and great pride in their accomplishments. Time moved on, and Audrey faced another tragedy; her firstborn daughter, Beth, died suddenly. The sadness again was wide and deep, but soon after Beth''s passing Audrey had visits from her, and Beth was radiant and beautiful. Again, it was Audrey''s faith that gave her comfort. Soon, Joe suffered strokes and he became slowly but increasingly feeble. With the help of her family, she kept Joe at home as long as she could, caring for him with her loving hands and big heart. She had to move him to the nursing home after caring for him for so many years, and it hurt her to do this. She made her daily visits to Joe her life for almost a year, and he died with Audrey at his side, as they held hands. After Joe''s passing, we had high hopes that she would now have time for visits to St. Louis and Texas, and to go to the soccer, football and baseball games of her grandkids, but this was not to be. On Father''s Day weekend, after commemorating the 60th anniversary of her marriage to Joe, Audrey became ill. Throughout her illness, she stood steadfast in her faith. Audrey''s smile was beautiful and beaming whenever anyone prayed with her or over her. The day before Audrey passed away from this world, she said she was not afraid to die, and talked about who would be waiting for her in heaven. She then summoned her sisters, who miraculously appeared by the next morning. Her sisters prayed the rosary over her, and Audrey then felt her work here on earth was done. In the evening hours of July 16, a mere 68 days after Joe''s passing, several family members sat around her, chatting. Suddenly a silence filled the room. Sister Mary said, "Whenever there is silence, an angel comes in". Immediately thoughts went to Joey and Beth; and, indeed, Audrey took one last sigh, and was gone on angels'' wings. She died as she lived, with beauty and grace. Audrey leaves behind 6 children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, special nieces and nephews, relatives and friends who will always remember her delighted smiles upon greeting, and soft hugs. She will be greatly missed. For those of us that are finding difficulty in the passing of mom and dad in such a short amount of time, I am reminded of mom''s own advice. In particularly difficult times, when ending a phone call to any of us, she would tell us to hang up the phone, go to our children and spouses, give them a big hug, and tell them that you love them. In my love for my own family, I can feel mom''s legacy, and I know she will always be with us.

We were very sorry to hear of Audrey''s death. I feel bad that we were out of town at the time and could not be there with you. No matter what the circumstances, it is always a great shock to the system and a loss that will be felt forever. I wish you peace.

We were very sorry to hear of Audrey''s death. I feel bad that we were out of town at the time and could not be there with you. No matter what the circumstances, it is always a great shock to the system and a loss that will be felt forever. I wish you peace.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hankes family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hankes family.

To our East South Street neighbors from years ago - our deepest condolences to your family. May the fact that you have one another comfort you during this time of sadness and adjustment. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda (Mietzel) Ray - Sun Prairie, WI Laura (Mietzel) Soldner - Marquette, MI Tom Mietzel- Las Vegas, NV

To our East South Street neighbors from years ago - our deepest condolences to your family. May the fact that you have one another comfort you during this time of sadness and adjustment. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda (Mietzel) Ray - Sun Prairie, WI Laura (Mietzel) Soldner - Marquette, MI Tom Mietzel- Las Vegas, NV

So sorry to hear of Audrey''s passing. I have many fond memories of when we were in a prayer group together many years ago. What a great lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lill and Jerry Ptaschinski

My deepest sympathy to the entire Hankes family for the loss of Aunt Audrey. Even though I hadn''t seen her for a few years we kept in touch through annual Christmas cards and updates on the Hankes family from my parents Jack & Phyllis Budde. I''m sorry that I can''t be with you for the services but my thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. Love, Sue Belair (Budde)

So sorry to hear of Audrey''s passing. I have many fond memories of when we were in a prayer group together many years ago. What a great lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lill and Jerry Ptaschinski

My deepest sympathy to the entire Hankes family for the loss of Aunt Audrey. Even though I hadn''t seen her for a few years we kept in touch through annual Christmas cards and updates on the Hankes family from my parents Jack & Phyllis Budde. I''m sorry that I can''t be with you for the services but my thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. Love, Sue Belair (Budde)

Our deepest sympathy to the Hankes family at this time of loss. Audrey was one of those friendly, smiling people who will be missed by many of the people she touched. Roger and Marilyn VanHaren

Our deepest sympathy to the Hankes family at this time of loss. Audrey was one of those friendly, smiling people who will be missed by many of the people she touched. Roger and Marilyn VanHaren