Helen B. Hanke

HANKE, Helen B.

Helen B. Hanke, 97, of La Crosse, died Sunday, August 19, 2018, in Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. She was born in Irene, South Dakota, on August 22, 1920, to Bert and Amanda (Leer) Moen. Helen married Al Hanke on April 23, 1967 in Ham Lake, Minn.

Helen was well known for being able to communicate and connect with people of all ages with her encouraging personality. This showed when she taught Sunday School, volunteered at elementary schools, and when she was the ‘Pizza Lady’ at Quillin’s in the Menards Plaza. Helen’s proudest accomplishment was her children and family.

She is survived by two daughters; Sharon Thompson, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Patricia (Roger) Wendling of La Crosse, one son; Stephan (Kristi Bothe) Hanke of Galesville, Wis., one Granddaughter; Jennifer (David) Weiberg of New Brighton, Minn., and two Great-Grandchildren; Jack and Amelia Weiberg. She is also survived by her seven siblings; Claire (Ed) Sisson, Bonnie (Magne) Holten, Bob (Dottie) Moen, Ed Moen, Dolores Normandin, Burnett (Vernon) Poxleitner, and Judy Moen, and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Al, Father Bert, Mother Amanda, Stepmother Clara, and brothers James, Merrill, and Michael Moen.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 25, 2018, in Christ is Lord Free Lutheran Church, 1269 County Hwy PH, Onalaska, Wis. Rev. Jonathan Unverzagt will officiate with burial to be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7:00 PM, Friday, August 24, 2018, at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, La Crosse. Visitation will also be from 9:30 AM until the time of services at Church on Saturday.