Doris T. Hanke

Doris T. Hanke, 93, of Howards Grove, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024 at The Waterford at Plymouth surrounded by her family. She was born on July 5, 1930 to the late Hugo and Edna (Kracht) Gessert in Plymouth. She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1948.

On May 28, 1949, she married the former Albert "Doc" Hanke, her high school sweetheart. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just prior to his passing in 2019. Doris did secretarial work for Sargento Cheese and Plyco Corp. for many years. After retirement, she and Doc moved to Athelstane, WI, where she enjoyed selling Avon for fifteen years.

She enjoyed playing cards, dancing and bowling at Anchor Lanes Bowling Alley, which Doc owned and operated. Doris loved spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed.

Doris is survived by one son, Robert (Kathy) Hanke, Plymouth; two daughters, Carol Mae (Jim) Milbrath, Howards Grove and Bette Jane (Otto) Thiel, Amberg; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband Doc Hanke, her parents. Hugo and Edna Gessert; her sister Marion (Ralph) Mayer; one great grandson and one grandson-in-law.

A memorial service for Doris will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Zimmer's Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center (Hwy 42 & JJ, Howards Grove) with Pastor Steven Thiel (grandson) and Rev. Nathan Athorp officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives on Tuesday, at the funeral home, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A private inurnment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Kohler. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Lily Hospice and The Waterford at Plymouth.