Joseph J. Hankes, age 91, of Beaver Dam, died Saturday, May 09, 2009 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam. Visitation for Joe will be at the Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The John E. Miller American Legion Post #146 will pay their respectsContinue Reading
left a message on December 3, 2014:
We''ll miss Uncle Joe...and all his laughter and stories...very much. Our sympathies and love, Mike & Mary
left a message on December 3, 2014:
We''ll miss Uncle Joe...and all his laughter and stories...very much. Our sympathies and love, Mike & Mary
Dave C. Weinberger
left a message on June 27, 2011:
Joe, My prayers are with you and your family. As you know I just lost my wife and know just that loss is.
Charlotte Nelson
left a message on June 27, 2011:
I am sending much love amd prayers for everyone. May God give you all support during this trying time.
The Family of Joseph Hankes
left a message on May 17, 2009:
The following is the eulogy that was read at Joe''s Funeral Mass. Joseph John Hankes flew into the world in February of 1918. He soon found himself as the middle of the nine children of John and Catherine Hankes in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Joe learned at an early age how to make do in what would prove to be tough times for the large Catholic family of a struggling grocer during the Great Depression. Many of us have heard him tell the tales of his childhood, which he would sometimes lace with the occasional exaggeration to humorous effect. He would speak of the long walks to school (uphill both ways of course), having frozen feet in ill-fitting, tattered "hand-me-down shoes" on his long paper route, and the auctioning of dessert (a rare treat at his mother''s dinner table) to the highest bidding brother. But there were also many good times, including the simple pleasures of invented games with brothers and singing at school with his sister Mary. At age 10, Joe fell in love with aviation when Lindbergh flew the ocean; this was a love he carried through his whole life. He flew the Hump in World War II, and his War Stories were legendary. Later, he would make model airplanes, and give air shows to the delight of many young children. His last airshow was at his last residence, Hillside Manor. After returning from the war, Joe fell in love with Audrey Budde. He was a young, good-looking amateur actor in the St. Peter''s Dramatic Club, who smoked a pipe and told endless jokes, and he swept his young prompter Audrey off her feet. They eventually acted in shows together, were married, and eight kids followed. First there was Joey, forever 3, who used to "run away" to Grandma Budde''s house on a regular basis only to be carried surely home in pa''s arms. Next was me (Ken), the prankster, keeping both parents guessing where the next smoke bomb might go off, and bringing a premature end to the first family vacation with a trip to the doctor for stitches in his chin, followed by nearly falling out of the moving car on the way home. Soon after, Michael was born, a willing participant in some of my stunts who would usually try to distance himself from them at the same time. We often worked with Dad at St. Pat''s for a small amount of pay that was usually used to fund our model rocket projects. The time spent together at St. Pat''s would sometimes be a time for talking and bonding, and our interest in modeling was something that Dad both appreciated and supported. Dear Beth arrived next, who once as a child became frightened and lost in a blizzard on her way home from kindergarten. Out of the swirling whiteness emerged Dad''s lean figure, hefting Beth on his shoulders and off to their warm and waiting house. Then came Dennis, who provided one of Dad''s favorite stories one Sunday when he asked if they were going to watch the "Green Bean Packers" that day. Dennis also continued the family tradition of helping Dad at St. Pat''s, where they would sometimes fly model airplanes after their work was finished. The next arrival was Janet, who wandered downtown at age three because she wanted to see her Daddy. Dad also loved to recall the occasion when she was compelled to run outside at four o''clock on a cold, snowy morning to make sure he was alright when he was shoveling the front walk. Though their planned family was complete, it wasn''t long before Audrey surprised Joe with some news when he was away at reserve camp in the summer of ''63. She was pregnant once again. The following March, Terry arrived, affectionately referred to as "the Beatle baby" because of her dark thick hair at birth. Joe would often tell of how the nuns at the hospital loved baby Terry and were reluctant to let her leave. Somewhat to their delight, her stay was extended because the other kids at home were getting over the measles. One of them even let Terry suck on her thumb as she carried her out to the car to finally join her siblings at home. Eight years later, to cheers of "good old Joe" from extended family, came news that Audrey was expecting once again. Christopher soon became Dad''s little helper with the upstairs "restruction" project, and as "chief holder" for airplanes being wound at Joe''s airshows. In his domestic life, Major Hankes found that his enemy was no longer the Japanese. He instead battled mainly boilers and snow. As maintenance engineer at St. Pat''s, there were many nights he had to leave the house to care for it''s aging boiler. The more it snowed, the earlier he had to leave in the morning. He hated snow... but never felt compelled to leave Wisconsin and all of his friends and family here. His longest career tenure may have been as the Supervising Maintenance Engineer at the Dodge County Courthouse, but this was overshadowed by Joe''s 37 continuous years of military service. After the war he achieved the rank of Major in the Air Force Reserves, and then served an additional 18 years in the Army reserves and was presented with the "Meritorious Service Award" upon his retirement in 1978. For two weeks every summer Joe would go away to serve as Master Sergeant at a boot camp. In some ways, us kids remember his time away as time to play; much mischief ensued as Audrey''s hair turned gray, and Dad wrote many letters to us kids imploring us to be good for Mom. But, it also meant more work and responsibilities for the older boys, who had to cover for Dad at St. Pat''s. Throughout his time as a "family man", and well into retirement, Joe was actively involved in St. Peter''s parish. He organized mass servers, taught catechism classes, and was an officer of the Holy Name Society for many years. He also helped at the school, teaching electives in model airplane building, and assisted with Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities. After retiring from the Dodge County Courthouse, Joe stayed active with a multitude of projects, including his cleaning business, wine-making, dollhouse building, freelance decorating, teaching, and of course building and flying airplanes with his friends. His family grew to include grandchildren and even great grandchildren. They often filled his home and spilled out to his yard. The grandkids have fond memories of Grandpa''s games, such as the "whoop-de-doo" that brought on fits of giggles. In quieter moments, Grandpa Joe would slip in several games of "creep-a-mousy" with whatever grandchild was sitting nearby. Cherry picking in the backyard was another thing Joe liked to do with his grandkids; sending the kids up on ladders to pick the cherries topmost in the trees. Joe loved a good joke. Whether drinking beer with his brothers, or coffee at Chili John''s or Walker''s, Joe always gently harassed those who served up the drinks. He chided his neighbors by hanging a "Bah Humbug" sign in his window every Christmas, a tradition that lasted many years. The sign was made by his daughters, who always laughed with Dad about his Scrooge attitude around the holidays, but the "Bah Humbug" was always accompanied by an eye twinkle. Joe had running jokes with many people, whether it was martini''s or pet names, he would always say the same thing to greet them. Joe witnessed many changes in the world over the course of his long, full life, and had to endure the loss of two children, all of his beloved brothers, and one sister. Always wanting to be an active participant in life and its'' projects, he struggled with the his loss of mobility, sight, and hearing. With his own engines "winding down", the difficult decision was made to move to Hillside Manor in June of 2008. There he remained as charming as ever, making new friends among the other residents and staff. In recent months, Dad said that he thought that there was someone else in his bed with him at night. When Mom told him that she hadn''t been there, he concluded that it was his brother Louie sharing his bed, just as they had done when they were kids. In the early morning hours of May 9, with Audrey sleeping at his side, his kids running, reading the newspaper, drinking coffee, or otherwise engaged away from him; Joe finally took the hands of Joey and Beth, allowing them to lead him safely and surely to board his last plane. His brothers, sister and parents raised a "Prost" to him, and brought him in for the final landing. Joe''s earthly life has ended, over and out. Well done, Joe; well done... .
The Family of Joseph Hankes
left a message on May 17, 2009:
The following is the eulogy that was read at Joe''s Funeral Mass. Joseph John Hankes flew into the world in February of 1918. He soon found himself as the middle of the nine children of John and Catherine Hankes in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Joe learned at an early age how to make do in what would prove to be tough times for the large Catholic family of a struggling grocer during the Great Depression. Many of us have heard him tell the tales of his childhood, which he would sometimes lace with the occasional exaggeration to humorous effect. He would speak of the long walks to school (uphill both ways of course), having frozen feet in ill-fitting, tattered "hand-me-down shoes" on his long paper route, and the auctioning of dessert (a rare treat at his mother''s dinner table) to the highest bidding brother. But there were also many good times, including the simple pleasures of invented games with brothers and singing at school with his sister Mary. At age 10, Joe fell in love with aviation when Lindbergh flew the ocean; this was a love he carried through his whole life. He flew the Hump in World War II, and his War Stories were legendary. Later, he would make model airplanes, and give air shows to the delight of many young children. His last airshow was at his last residence, Hillside Manor. After returning from the war, Joe fell in love with Audrey Budde. He was a young, good-looking amateur actor in the St. Peter''s Dramatic Club, who smoked a pipe and told endless jokes, and he swept his young prompter Audrey off her feet. They eventually acted in shows together, were married, and eight kids followed. First there was Joey, forever 3, who used to "run away" to Grandma Budde''s house on a regular basis only to be carried surely home in pa''s arms. Next was me (Ken), the prankster, keeping both parents guessing where the next smoke bomb might go off, and bringing a premature end to the first family vacation with a trip to the doctor for stitches in his chin, followed by nearly falling out of the moving car on the way home. Soon after, Michael was born, a willing participant in some of my stunts who would usually try to distance himself from them at the same time. We often worked with Dad at St. Pat''s for a small amount of pay that was usually used to fund our model rocket projects. The time spent together at St. Pat''s would sometimes be a time for talking and bonding, and our interest in modeling was something that Dad both appreciated and supported. Dear Beth arrived next, who once as a child became frightened and lost in a blizzard on her way home from kindergarten. Out of the swirling whiteness emerged Dad''s lean figure, hefting Beth on his shoulders and off to their warm and waiting house. Then came Dennis, who provided one of Dad''s favorite stories one Sunday when he asked if they were going to watch the "Green Bean Packers" that day. Dennis also continued the family tradition of helping Dad at St. Pat''s, where they would sometimes fly model airplanes after their work was finished. The next arrival was Janet, who wandered downtown at age three because she wanted to see her Daddy. Dad also loved to recall the occasion when she was compelled to run outside at four o''clock on a cold, snowy morning to make sure he was alright when he was shoveling the front walk. Though their planned family was complete, it wasn''t long before Audrey surprised Joe with some news when he was away at reserve camp in the summer of ''63. She was pregnant once again. The following March, Terry arrived, affectionately referred to as "the Beatle baby" because of her dark thick hair at birth. Joe would often tell of how the nuns at the hospital loved baby Terry and were reluctant to let her leave. Somewhat to their delight, her stay was extended because the other kids at home were getting over the measles. One of them even let Terry suck on her thumb as she carried her out to the car to finally join her siblings at home. Eight years later, to cheers of "good old Joe" from extended family, came news that Audrey was expecting once again. Christopher soon became Dad''s little helper with the upstairs "restruction" project, and as "chief holder" for airplanes being wound at Joe''s airshows. In his domestic life, Major Hankes found that his enemy was no longer the Japanese. He instead battled mainly boilers and snow. As maintenance engineer at St. Pat''s, there were many nights he had to leave the house to care for it''s aging boiler. The more it snowed, the earlier he had to leave in the morning. He hated snow... but never felt compelled to leave Wisconsin and all of his friends and family here. His longest career tenure may have been as the Supervising Maintenance Engineer at the Dodge County Courthouse, but this was overshadowed by Joe''s 37 continuous years of military service. After the war he achieved the rank of Major in the Air Force Reserves, and then served an additional 18 years in the Army reserves and was presented with the "Meritorious Service Award" upon his retirement in 1978. For two weeks every summer Joe would go away to serve as Master Sergeant at a boot camp. In some ways, us kids remember his time away as time to play; much mischief ensued as Audrey''s hair turned gray, and Dad wrote many letters to us kids imploring us to be good for Mom. But, it also meant more work and responsibilities for the older boys, who had to cover for Dad at St. Pat''s. Throughout his time as a "family man", and well into retirement, Joe was actively involved in St. Peter''s parish. He organized mass servers, taught catechism classes, and was an officer of the Holy Name Society for many years. He also helped at the school, teaching electives in model airplane building, and assisted with Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities. After retiring from the Dodge County Courthouse, Joe stayed active with a multitude of projects, including his cleaning business, wine-making, dollhouse building, freelance decorating, teaching, and of course building and flying airplanes with his friends. His family grew to include grandchildren and even great grandchildren. They often filled his home and spilled out to his yard. The grandkids have fond memories of Grandpa''s games, such as the "whoop-de-doo" that brought on fits of giggles. In quieter moments, Grandpa Joe would slip in several games of "creep-a-mousy" with whatever grandchild was sitting nearby. Cherry picking in the backyard was another thing Joe liked to do with his grandkids; sending the kids up on ladders to pick the cherries topmost in the trees. Joe loved a good joke. Whether drinking beer with his brothers, or coffee at Chili John''s or Walker''s, Joe always gently harassed those who served up the drinks. He chided his neighbors by hanging a "Bah Humbug" sign in his window every Christmas, a tradition that lasted many years. The sign was made by his daughters, who always laughed with Dad about his Scrooge attitude around the holidays, but the "Bah Humbug" was always accompanied by an eye twinkle. Joe had running jokes with many people, whether it was martini''s or pet names, he would always say the same thing to greet them. Joe witnessed many changes in the world over the course of his long, full life, and had to endure the loss of two children, all of his beloved brothers, and one sister. Always wanting to be an active participant in life and its'' projects, he struggled with the his loss of mobility, sight, and hearing. With his own engines "winding down", the difficult decision was made to move to Hillside Manor in June of 2008. There he remained as charming as ever, making new friends among the other residents and staff. In recent months, Dad said that he thought that there was someone else in his bed with him at night. When Mom told him that she hadn''t been there, he concluded that it was his brother Louie sharing his bed, just as they had done when they were kids. In the early morning hours of May 9, with Audrey sleeping at his side, his kids running, reading the newspaper, drinking coffee, or otherwise engaged away from him; Joe finally took the hands of Joey and Beth, allowing them to lead him safely and surely to board his last plane. His brothers, sister and parents raised a "Prost" to him, and brought him in for the final landing. Joe''s earthly life has ended, over and out. Well done, Joe; well done... .
Paul and Sue Jahnke
left a message on May 15, 2009:
Hankes family- our prayers and condolences are with you all. We are so sorry we did not learn of Joe''s passing until after he had been laid to rest. Although we personally did not know Joe, his legacy of goodness , can be seen through his children and grandchildren that we have the privilege of knowing. May Joe rest in peace and God hold you all close to his heart as you heal from his passing. We will pray for all of you. Sincerely, Sue and Paul
Paul and Sue Jahnke
left a message on May 15, 2009:
Hankes family- our prayers and condolences are with you all. We are so sorry we did not learn of Joe''s passing until after he had been laid to rest. Although we personally did not know Joe, his legacy of goodness , can be seen through his children and grandchildren that we have the privilege of knowing. May Joe rest in peace and God hold you all close to his heart as you heal from his passing. We will pray for all of you. Sincerely, Sue and Paul
Bob J Daniels (Jr)
left a message on May 13, 2009:
Aunt Audrey & Family. I am truly sorry for your loss of a truly remarkable and memorable husband & father. I will remember many events in my early life spent at your home as just another one of the kids- but never feeling left out or overlooked. His patience with a nephew (me) who was always and still is all thumbs when it comes to anything with glue in/on or around it served as an example of how to be a better parent and grandparent. He leaves a great legacy within the family- times of trouble have strengthened you all in the past and brought you closer-may this long ordeal lead to greater strength and joy in living,strengthen your family ties and bring a sense of fulfillment in a life well lived. We have all been blessed to be a part of Joes'' life and purpose on earth as God had planned- Joe is still working among us and will be alive as long as we all take a moment on occassion to think back on him. As an aside I was able to see Joe for a few moments just two weeks ago- I would not have forgiven myself if I had not stopped to visit. The smile I was greeted with from Joe displayed his typical graciousness and hospitality. Enough now- he will be missed and remembered- My family will stay in touch, and we wish that we could have been there- how sad that the world comes before family and we were too far away- nothing should keep us from sharing family events. God Bless all of you and give you strength to remember the joy, love and laughter in your families lifes because of your pop. Somewhere in Heaven on Sunday he will be sitting and watching the Packers beating up on those darn Vikings... Bob J.
Bob J Daniels (Jr)
left a message on May 13, 2009:
Aunt Audrey & Family. I am truly sorry for your loss of a truly remarkable and memorable husband & father. I will remember many events in my early life spent at your home as just another one of the kids- but never feeling left out or overlooked. His patience with a nephew (me) who was always and still is all thumbs when it comes to anything with glue in/on or around it served as an example of how to be a better parent and grandparent. He leaves a great legacy within the family- times of trouble have strengthened you all in the past and brought you closer-may this long ordeal lead to greater strength and joy in living,strengthen your family ties and bring a sense of fulfillment in a life well lived. We have all been blessed to be a part of Joes'' life and purpose on earth as God had planned- Joe is still working among us and will be alive as long as we all take a moment on occassion to think back on him. As an aside I was able to see Joe for a few moments just two weeks ago- I would not have forgiven myself if I had not stopped to visit. The smile I was greeted with from Joe displayed his typical graciousness and hospitality. Enough now- he will be missed and remembered- My family will stay in touch, and we wish that we could have been there- how sad that the world comes before family and we were too far away- nothing should keep us from sharing family events. God Bless all of you and give you strength to remember the joy, love and laughter in your families lifes because of your pop. Somewhere in Heaven on Sunday he will be sitting and watching the Packers beating up on those darn Vikings... Bob J.
Jeff Clark
left a message on May 12, 2009:
Bob, Terry and Family, So sorry to hear about your loss. Jeff Clark
Pat Daniels
left a message on May 12, 2009:
Dear Audrey and family: I want to express my sincere sympathy to your loss. I always remember Joe with the kids in the Park in Beaver Dam at the family reunions with his airplanes. He will be missed. I''m sorry we couldn''t be there with you. Love, Pat Daniels
Jeff Clark
left a message on May 12, 2009:
Bob, Terry and Family, So sorry to hear about your loss. Jeff Clark
Pat Daniels
left a message on May 12, 2009:
Dear Audrey and family: I want to express my sincere sympathy to your loss. I always remember Joe with the kids in the Park in Beaver Dam at the family reunions with his airplanes. He will be missed. I''m sorry we couldn''t be there with you. Love, Pat Daniels
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left a message on December 3, 2014:
We''ll miss Uncle Joe...and all his laughter and stories...very much. Our sympathies and love, Mike & Mary
left a message on December 3, 2014:
We''ll miss Uncle Joe...and all his laughter and stories...very much. Our sympathies and love, Mike & Mary
Dave C. Weinberger
left a message on June 27, 2011:
Joe, My prayers are with you and your family. As you know I just lost my wife and know just that loss is.
Charlotte Nelson
left a message on June 27, 2011:
I am sending much love amd prayers for everyone. May God give you all support during this trying time.
The Family of Joseph Hankes
left a message on May 17, 2009:
The following is the eulogy that was read at Joe''s Funeral Mass. Joseph John Hankes flew into the world in February of 1918. He soon found himself as the middle of the nine children of John and Catherine Hankes in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Joe learned at an early age how to make do in what would prove to be tough times for the large Catholic family of a struggling grocer during the Great Depression. Many of us have heard him tell the tales of his childhood, which he would sometimes lace with the occasional exaggeration to humorous effect. He would speak of the long walks to school (uphill both ways of course), having frozen feet in ill-fitting, tattered "hand-me-down shoes" on his long paper route, and the auctioning of dessert (a rare treat at his mother''s dinner table) to the highest bidding brother. But there were also many good times, including the simple pleasures of invented games with brothers and singing at school with his sister Mary. At age 10, Joe fell in love with aviation when Lindbergh flew the ocean; this was a love he carried through his whole life. He flew the Hump in World War II, and his War Stories were legendary. Later, he would make model airplanes, and give air shows to the delight of many young children. His last airshow was at his last residence, Hillside Manor. After returning from the war, Joe fell in love with Audrey Budde. He was a young, good-looking amateur actor in the St. Peter''s Dramatic Club, who smoked a pipe and told endless jokes, and he swept his young prompter Audrey off her feet. They eventually acted in shows together, were married, and eight kids followed. First there was Joey, forever 3, who used to "run away" to Grandma Budde''s house on a regular basis only to be carried surely home in pa''s arms. Next was me (Ken), the prankster, keeping both parents guessing where the next smoke bomb might go off, and bringing a premature end to the first family vacation with a trip to the doctor for stitches in his chin, followed by nearly falling out of the moving car on the way home. Soon after, Michael was born, a willing participant in some of my stunts who would usually try to distance himself from them at the same time. We often worked with Dad at St. Pat''s for a small amount of pay that was usually used to fund our model rocket projects. The time spent together at St. Pat''s would sometimes be a time for talking and bonding, and our interest in modeling was something that Dad both appreciated and supported. Dear Beth arrived next, who once as a child became frightened and lost in a blizzard on her way home from kindergarten. Out of the swirling whiteness emerged Dad''s lean figure, hefting Beth on his shoulders and off to their warm and waiting house. Then came Dennis, who provided one of Dad''s favorite stories one Sunday when he asked if they were going to watch the "Green Bean Packers" that day. Dennis also continued the family tradition of helping Dad at St. Pat''s, where they would sometimes fly model airplanes after their work was finished. The next arrival was Janet, who wandered downtown at age three because she wanted to see her Daddy. Dad also loved to recall the occasion when she was compelled to run outside at four o''clock on a cold, snowy morning to make sure he was alright when he was shoveling the front walk. Though their planned family was complete, it wasn''t long before Audrey surprised Joe with some news when he was away at reserve camp in the summer of ''63. She was pregnant once again. The following March, Terry arrived, affectionately referred to as "the Beatle baby" because of her dark thick hair at birth. Joe would often tell of how the nuns at the hospital loved baby Terry and were reluctant to let her leave. Somewhat to their delight, her stay was extended because the other kids at home were getting over the measles. One of them even let Terry suck on her thumb as she carried her out to the car to finally join her siblings at home. Eight years later, to cheers of "good old Joe" from extended family, came news that Audrey was expecting once again. Christopher soon became Dad''s little helper with the upstairs "restruction" project, and as "chief holder" for airplanes being wound at Joe''s airshows. In his domestic life, Major Hankes found that his enemy was no longer the Japanese. He instead battled mainly boilers and snow. As maintenance engineer at St. Pat''s, there were many nights he had to leave the house to care for it''s aging boiler. The more it snowed, the earlier he had to leave in the morning. He hated snow... but never felt compelled to leave Wisconsin and all of his friends and family here. His longest career tenure may have been as the Supervising Maintenance Engineer at the Dodge County Courthouse, but this was overshadowed by Joe''s 37 continuous years of military service. After the war he achieved the rank of Major in the Air Force Reserves, and then served an additional 18 years in the Army reserves and was presented with the "Meritorious Service Award" upon his retirement in 1978. For two weeks every summer Joe would go away to serve as Master Sergeant at a boot camp. In some ways, us kids remember his time away as time to play; much mischief ensued as Audrey''s hair turned gray, and Dad wrote many letters to us kids imploring us to be good for Mom. But, it also meant more work and responsibilities for the older boys, who had to cover for Dad at St. Pat''s. Throughout his time as a "family man", and well into retirement, Joe was actively involved in St. Peter''s parish. He organized mass servers, taught catechism classes, and was an officer of the Holy Name Society for many years. He also helped at the school, teaching electives in model airplane building, and assisted with Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities. After retiring from the Dodge County Courthouse, Joe stayed active with a multitude of projects, including his cleaning business, wine-making, dollhouse building, freelance decorating, teaching, and of course building and flying airplanes with his friends. His family grew to include grandchildren and even great grandchildren. They often filled his home and spilled out to his yard. The grandkids have fond memories of Grandpa''s games, such as the "whoop-de-doo" that brought on fits of giggles. In quieter moments, Grandpa Joe would slip in several games of "creep-a-mousy" with whatever grandchild was sitting nearby. Cherry picking in the backyard was another thing Joe liked to do with his grandkids; sending the kids up on ladders to pick the cherries topmost in the trees. Joe loved a good joke. Whether drinking beer with his brothers, or coffee at Chili John''s or Walker''s, Joe always gently harassed those who served up the drinks. He chided his neighbors by hanging a "Bah Humbug" sign in his window every Christmas, a tradition that lasted many years. The sign was made by his daughters, who always laughed with Dad about his Scrooge attitude around the holidays, but the "Bah Humbug" was always accompanied by an eye twinkle. Joe had running jokes with many people, whether it was martini''s or pet names, he would always say the same thing to greet them. Joe witnessed many changes in the world over the course of his long, full life, and had to endure the loss of two children, all of his beloved brothers, and one sister. Always wanting to be an active participant in life and its'' projects, he struggled with the his loss of mobility, sight, and hearing. With his own engines "winding down", the difficult decision was made to move to Hillside Manor in June of 2008. There he remained as charming as ever, making new friends among the other residents and staff. In recent months, Dad said that he thought that there was someone else in his bed with him at night. When Mom told him that she hadn''t been there, he concluded that it was his brother Louie sharing his bed, just as they had done when they were kids. In the early morning hours of May 9, with Audrey sleeping at his side, his kids running, reading the newspaper, drinking coffee, or otherwise engaged away from him; Joe finally took the hands of Joey and Beth, allowing them to lead him safely and surely to board his last plane. His brothers, sister and parents raised a "Prost" to him, and brought him in for the final landing. Joe''s earthly life has ended, over and out. Well done, Joe; well done... .
The Family of Joseph Hankes
left a message on May 17, 2009:
The following is the eulogy that was read at Joe''s Funeral Mass. Joseph John Hankes flew into the world in February of 1918. He soon found himself as the middle of the nine children of John and Catherine Hankes in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Joe learned at an early age how to make do in what would prove to be tough times for the large Catholic family of a struggling grocer during the Great Depression. Many of us have heard him tell the tales of his childhood, which he would sometimes lace with the occasional exaggeration to humorous effect. He would speak of the long walks to school (uphill both ways of course), having frozen feet in ill-fitting, tattered "hand-me-down shoes" on his long paper route, and the auctioning of dessert (a rare treat at his mother''s dinner table) to the highest bidding brother. But there were also many good times, including the simple pleasures of invented games with brothers and singing at school with his sister Mary. At age 10, Joe fell in love with aviation when Lindbergh flew the ocean; this was a love he carried through his whole life. He flew the Hump in World War II, and his War Stories were legendary. Later, he would make model airplanes, and give air shows to the delight of many young children. His last airshow was at his last residence, Hillside Manor. After returning from the war, Joe fell in love with Audrey Budde. He was a young, good-looking amateur actor in the St. Peter''s Dramatic Club, who smoked a pipe and told endless jokes, and he swept his young prompter Audrey off her feet. They eventually acted in shows together, were married, and eight kids followed. First there was Joey, forever 3, who used to "run away" to Grandma Budde''s house on a regular basis only to be carried surely home in pa''s arms. Next was me (Ken), the prankster, keeping both parents guessing where the next smoke bomb might go off, and bringing a premature end to the first family vacation with a trip to the doctor for stitches in his chin, followed by nearly falling out of the moving car on the way home. Soon after, Michael was born, a willing participant in some of my stunts who would usually try to distance himself from them at the same time. We often worked with Dad at St. Pat''s for a small amount of pay that was usually used to fund our model rocket projects. The time spent together at St. Pat''s would sometimes be a time for talking and bonding, and our interest in modeling was something that Dad both appreciated and supported. Dear Beth arrived next, who once as a child became frightened and lost in a blizzard on her way home from kindergarten. Out of the swirling whiteness emerged Dad''s lean figure, hefting Beth on his shoulders and off to their warm and waiting house. Then came Dennis, who provided one of Dad''s favorite stories one Sunday when he asked if they were going to watch the "Green Bean Packers" that day. Dennis also continued the family tradition of helping Dad at St. Pat''s, where they would sometimes fly model airplanes after their work was finished. The next arrival was Janet, who wandered downtown at age three because she wanted to see her Daddy. Dad also loved to recall the occasion when she was compelled to run outside at four o''clock on a cold, snowy morning to make sure he was alright when he was shoveling the front walk. Though their planned family was complete, it wasn''t long before Audrey surprised Joe with some news when he was away at reserve camp in the summer of ''63. She was pregnant once again. The following March, Terry arrived, affectionately referred to as "the Beatle baby" because of her dark thick hair at birth. Joe would often tell of how the nuns at the hospital loved baby Terry and were reluctant to let her leave. Somewhat to their delight, her stay was extended because the other kids at home were getting over the measles. One of them even let Terry suck on her thumb as she carried her out to the car to finally join her siblings at home. Eight years later, to cheers of "good old Joe" from extended family, came news that Audrey was expecting once again. Christopher soon became Dad''s little helper with the upstairs "restruction" project, and as "chief holder" for airplanes being wound at Joe''s airshows. In his domestic life, Major Hankes found that his enemy was no longer the Japanese. He instead battled mainly boilers and snow. As maintenance engineer at St. Pat''s, there were many nights he had to leave the house to care for it''s aging boiler. The more it snowed, the earlier he had to leave in the morning. He hated snow... but never felt compelled to leave Wisconsin and all of his friends and family here. His longest career tenure may have been as the Supervising Maintenance Engineer at the Dodge County Courthouse, but this was overshadowed by Joe''s 37 continuous years of military service. After the war he achieved the rank of Major in the Air Force Reserves, and then served an additional 18 years in the Army reserves and was presented with the "Meritorious Service Award" upon his retirement in 1978. For two weeks every summer Joe would go away to serve as Master Sergeant at a boot camp. In some ways, us kids remember his time away as time to play; much mischief ensued as Audrey''s hair turned gray, and Dad wrote many letters to us kids imploring us to be good for Mom. But, it also meant more work and responsibilities for the older boys, who had to cover for Dad at St. Pat''s. Throughout his time as a "family man", and well into retirement, Joe was actively involved in St. Peter''s parish. He organized mass servers, taught catechism classes, and was an officer of the Holy Name Society for many years. He also helped at the school, teaching electives in model airplane building, and assisted with Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities. After retiring from the Dodge County Courthouse, Joe stayed active with a multitude of projects, including his cleaning business, wine-making, dollhouse building, freelance decorating, teaching, and of course building and flying airplanes with his friends. His family grew to include grandchildren and even great grandchildren. They often filled his home and spilled out to his yard. The grandkids have fond memories of Grandpa''s games, such as the "whoop-de-doo" that brought on fits of giggles. In quieter moments, Grandpa Joe would slip in several games of "creep-a-mousy" with whatever grandchild was sitting nearby. Cherry picking in the backyard was another thing Joe liked to do with his grandkids; sending the kids up on ladders to pick the cherries topmost in the trees. Joe loved a good joke. Whether drinking beer with his brothers, or coffee at Chili John''s or Walker''s, Joe always gently harassed those who served up the drinks. He chided his neighbors by hanging a "Bah Humbug" sign in his window every Christmas, a tradition that lasted many years. The sign was made by his daughters, who always laughed with Dad about his Scrooge attitude around the holidays, but the "Bah Humbug" was always accompanied by an eye twinkle. Joe had running jokes with many people, whether it was martini''s or pet names, he would always say the same thing to greet them. Joe witnessed many changes in the world over the course of his long, full life, and had to endure the loss of two children, all of his beloved brothers, and one sister. Always wanting to be an active participant in life and its'' projects, he struggled with the his loss of mobility, sight, and hearing. With his own engines "winding down", the difficult decision was made to move to Hillside Manor in June of 2008. There he remained as charming as ever, making new friends among the other residents and staff. In recent months, Dad said that he thought that there was someone else in his bed with him at night. When Mom told him that she hadn''t been there, he concluded that it was his brother Louie sharing his bed, just as they had done when they were kids. In the early morning hours of May 9, with Audrey sleeping at his side, his kids running, reading the newspaper, drinking coffee, or otherwise engaged away from him; Joe finally took the hands of Joey and Beth, allowing them to lead him safely and surely to board his last plane. His brothers, sister and parents raised a "Prost" to him, and brought him in for the final landing. Joe''s earthly life has ended, over and out. Well done, Joe; well done... .
Paul and Sue Jahnke
left a message on May 15, 2009:
Hankes family- our prayers and condolences are with you all. We are so sorry we did not learn of Joe''s passing until after he had been laid to rest. Although we personally did not know Joe, his legacy of goodness , can be seen through his children and grandchildren that we have the privilege of knowing. May Joe rest in peace and God hold you all close to his heart as you heal from his passing. We will pray for all of you. Sincerely, Sue and Paul
Paul and Sue Jahnke
left a message on May 15, 2009:
Hankes family- our prayers and condolences are with you all. We are so sorry we did not learn of Joe''s passing until after he had been laid to rest. Although we personally did not know Joe, his legacy of goodness , can be seen through his children and grandchildren that we have the privilege of knowing. May Joe rest in peace and God hold you all close to his heart as you heal from his passing. We will pray for all of you. Sincerely, Sue and Paul
Bob J Daniels (Jr)
left a message on May 13, 2009:
Aunt Audrey & Family. I am truly sorry for your loss of a truly remarkable and memorable husband & father. I will remember many events in my early life spent at your home as just another one of the kids- but never feeling left out or overlooked. His patience with a nephew (me) who was always and still is all thumbs when it comes to anything with glue in/on or around it served as an example of how to be a better parent and grandparent. He leaves a great legacy within the family- times of trouble have strengthened you all in the past and brought you closer-may this long ordeal lead to greater strength and joy in living,strengthen your family ties and bring a sense of fulfillment in a life well lived. We have all been blessed to be a part of Joes'' life and purpose on earth as God had planned- Joe is still working among us and will be alive as long as we all take a moment on occassion to think back on him. As an aside I was able to see Joe for a few moments just two weeks ago- I would not have forgiven myself if I had not stopped to visit. The smile I was greeted with from Joe displayed his typical graciousness and hospitality. Enough now- he will be missed and remembered- My family will stay in touch, and we wish that we could have been there- how sad that the world comes before family and we were too far away- nothing should keep us from sharing family events. God Bless all of you and give you strength to remember the joy, love and laughter in your families lifes because of your pop. Somewhere in Heaven on Sunday he will be sitting and watching the Packers beating up on those darn Vikings... Bob J.
Bob J Daniels (Jr)
left a message on May 13, 2009:
Aunt Audrey & Family. I am truly sorry for your loss of a truly remarkable and memorable husband & father. I will remember many events in my early life spent at your home as just another one of the kids- but never feeling left out or overlooked. His patience with a nephew (me) who was always and still is all thumbs when it comes to anything with glue in/on or around it served as an example of how to be a better parent and grandparent. He leaves a great legacy within the family- times of trouble have strengthened you all in the past and brought you closer-may this long ordeal lead to greater strength and joy in living,strengthen your family ties and bring a sense of fulfillment in a life well lived. We have all been blessed to be a part of Joes'' life and purpose on earth as God had planned- Joe is still working among us and will be alive as long as we all take a moment on occassion to think back on him. As an aside I was able to see Joe for a few moments just two weeks ago- I would not have forgiven myself if I had not stopped to visit. The smile I was greeted with from Joe displayed his typical graciousness and hospitality. Enough now- he will be missed and remembered- My family will stay in touch, and we wish that we could have been there- how sad that the world comes before family and we were too far away- nothing should keep us from sharing family events. God Bless all of you and give you strength to remember the joy, love and laughter in your families lifes because of your pop. Somewhere in Heaven on Sunday he will be sitting and watching the Packers beating up on those darn Vikings... Bob J.
Jeff Clark
left a message on May 12, 2009:
Bob, Terry and Family, So sorry to hear about your loss. Jeff Clark
Pat Daniels
left a message on May 12, 2009:
Dear Audrey and family: I want to express my sincere sympathy to your loss. I always remember Joe with the kids in the Park in Beaver Dam at the family reunions with his airplanes. He will be missed. I''m sorry we couldn''t be there with you. Love, Pat Daniels
Jeff Clark
left a message on May 12, 2009:
Bob, Terry and Family, So sorry to hear about your loss. Jeff Clark
Pat Daniels
left a message on May 12, 2009:
Dear Audrey and family: I want to express my sincere sympathy to your loss. I always remember Joe with the kids in the Park in Beaver Dam at the family reunions with his airplanes. He will be missed. I''m sorry we couldn''t be there with you. Love, Pat Daniels
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