Goldie Hanke

Goldie Hanke, 100, 705 E. Kings Road, Tomahawk, died peacefully at her home during a beautiful morning sunrise, May 10, 2008. Goldie was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, on August 20, 1907, the daughter of Fred and Martha (Gensmen) Krueger. She graduated from Wausau Business College in 1927. Goldie married the love of her life, Lester L. Hanke, in Wausau, September 15, 1928. They moved to Tomahawk in 1931. They had three children. Goldie worked side by side with Les in a grocery business that they bought in 1936. In 1965, she and her family built Hanke's Shop Rite Super Market, 4th Street, in Tomahawk. Goldie ran that business with Les and family until 1977 when she retired. Goldie was very active in both the church and the community. She was the oldest member of the United Methodist Church in Tomahawk. Goldie was a member of the Rebecca Lodge, the Order of the Eastern Star, and a Lady "Shriner". She belonged to many other social groups, loved playing cards, enjoyed entertaining and wintering in Florida and Texas. Baking was one of her favorite hobbies. There always were cookies and her famous brownies for anyone stopping by. She did beautiful needle point, loved her dogs, was always there for her family and was an adored "Grandma Goldie". She met her great, great grandson, Isaiah, on her 100th birthday. Survivors include one son, Tom Hanke, Tomahawk, one daughter, Mary (Alan) Hetzel, Stevens Point, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one great, great grandson, and many nieces and nephews. Goldie was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Hanke, oldest son, Merlin Hanke (Jackie), brother, Gordon Krueger (Margaret), granddaughter, Candace Seigh, and grandson, Aaron Hetzel. Funeral services for Goldie Hanke will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, May 14, at United Methodist Church, 1104 School Road, Tomahawk, Pastor Rebecca Niese, Rhinelander, will officiate. Friends and family are welcome at the United Methodist Church from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 13th, and Wednesday, 10:00 A.M. until the hour of services. Our family would like to give a special thank you to a wonderful lady, Sharon Zapar, Tomahawk, for all the loving care she gave our mother. We are also in deep appreciation for the service provided by Hospice. "It is hard to imagine our world without Goldie, she was a great lady"