Adolph (AL) Hanke

Adolph (Al) Hanke passed peacefully Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Wissota Health and Regional Vent Center in Chippewa Falls, WI.

Al was born January 30, 1935 to Gustav and Adaline Hanke in Ukraine.  Due to the Stalin regime, the entire family was forced to relocation camps in Austria.  In 1951, the family immigrated to Forest Lake, MN via Ellis Island, sponsored by the Lutheran Church.

Al was proud to serve two tours in the U.S. Army in Korea and Europe.

Al and his brothers were avid outdoors men, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping together, and of course their stories of their adventures were always entertaining.

Al worked in construction for many years.  Together with his brothers Wally and Eric, Al built homes for many families in Minnesota until moving to La Crosse in 1987.   After retirement he continued to design and build custom cabinetry.

Al always had a smile and a tale to tell.  His sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Al is survived by his wife of 49 years, Helen; son Steven G. Hanke; daughters Sharon Thompson of Minneapolis and Patty (Roger) Wendling of La Crosse; brother Wally (Linda), sister-in-law Carol, nephews Robert and Kenneth of Minnesota; granddaughter Jennifer (David) Weiberg and great-grandchildren Jack and Amelia of Minneapolis; sisters Alma and Lily and many nieces and nephews.

Al was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Hubert and Eric.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and care-giving staff at Wissota for the comfort and compassion Al received.

To honor Al’s wishes, there will be a gathering of family and friends at a later date.