Henrietta C Hankes

Henrietta Catherine Hankes, née Welker passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2026, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, at the age of 98.

Born on October 28, 1927, in Brighton, Wisconsin, she was a cherished daughter of the late Jacob and Mary (Buechner) Welker. Henrietta lived a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and quiet service to others. She attended St. Francis Xavier Grade School and St. Mary’s High School, where her kind spirit and work ethic began to shine. She brought beauty and warmth to her community through her work at Fanshaw’s Hair Salon and later devoted herself to supporting the children and staff at St. Peter’s School. On August 25, 1956, she married Francis Charles Hankes, and together they built a beautiful home filled with love and devotion. A lifelong devout Catholic, Henrietta’s faith was the gentle guiding light of her days. Her faith led her to being member of Third Order of Secular Franciscans, Christian Mothers, Daughters of Isabella, and Right to Life.

She is survived by her loving children: Stephan (Mary) Hankes, Gregory (Mary) Hankes, and Cheryl (Joe) Condon; her 10 precious grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; her dear sister, Mary Ann Babich of Mundelein, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were blessed by her presence. Henrietta was preceded in death by her beloved husband Francis, her parents, her sons Lawrence and Charles Hankes, her brothers Leo, Leonard, and Jerome Welker, and her sisters Isabelle Knauft, Bernice Epping, Eleanor Cline, and Rita Ensminger.

Though deeply missed, she leaves behind a legacy of love, grace, and unwavering faith that will continue to warm the hearts of all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Henrietta will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., people will gather in the church sanctuary where the Rosary will be said recited prior to the funeral.

May she rest in the loving arms of Our Lord, surrounded by the family and friends who went before her, and may her gentle spirit continue to watch over all those she held so dear.

All memorial donations will go to mass intentions and the Dodge County Food Pantry.

The family would like to thank the staffs at the Charleston House and Bristol Hospice for the love and care that was given to their mother.