Obit: Hanke, Eleanor Florence (1922 - 2015)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bergdorf, Carter, Hanke, Johnson, Jollymore, Lessard, Moorhouse, Nelson, Pedersen, Petersen, Thompson

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 4/09/2015

Hanke, Eleanor Florence (Pedersen) (22 DEC 1922 - 10 MAR 2015)

Eleanor Florence Hanke, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, 92, Medford, died on Tuesday, March 10 after a long illness. Private services were held with Pastor Craig Nelson officiating. Burial was at Medford Evergreen Cemetery II.

Hemer Funeral Homes of Medford and Rib Lake assisted the family with arrangements.

The former Eleanor Pedersen was born on Dec. 22, 1922 in Chicago, Ill., to the late Edward Christian and Eleanor Florence (Petersen) Pedersen. Her mother died during childbirth so she was lovingly raised by her father and maternal aunts and uncle, Lillian, Ann and Frederick Petersen of Chicago, Ill. She attended Chicago public schools. Eleanor worked as a portrait studio assistant in Chicago in her early twenties.

On July 28, 1951, she married Robert George Hanke, who survives. She often mentioned she was thankful for her many children and being able to be a homemaker. Prior to moving to Medford after her husband retired, they lived in Arlington Heights, Ill. for many years. During their retirement years they enjoyed traveling together, especially to see their grandchildren. Eleanor was truly loved by her husband. They enjoyed listening to music together. One of their favorite songs which they would sing to one another was "Let me Call You Sweetheart." Robert remained steadfastly devoted to his wife throughout her illness. Her daughter, Jeanette Johnson, and other caregivers, provided exceptional at-home nursing care.

Eleanor was a cheerful and kind lady, gifted in hospitality for family and friends. She believed in and loved the Lord. Her family looks forward to a glad reunion someday in Heaven. Indeed, she was a wonderful friend to many.

Survivors include her husband, Robert, 98; five children, Margaret Moorhouse of Gilman, Robert Hanke and Jeanette (Charles) Johnson, both of Medford, Barbara (fiancé Phil Carter and sons) Hanke of Marshfield, and Patricia (James) Thompson of Massachusetts; five grandchildren, Rebecca (Michael) Lessard and Jessica Thompson, both of Massachusetts, Jennifer (Eric) Jollymore of Vermont; John Bergdorf of Gilman and Michael Bergdorf of Medford; and three great-grandchildren, Michael, Matthew and David.