David Michael Hankes, age 20, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at his home in Eau Claire, WI.
David was born on February 1st, 1989 in Freeport, Illinois. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School there and was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. He had many friends there and enjoyed Little League baseball and Cub Scouts. In 1999, he moved with his family to Eau Claire. He attended 5th and 6th grade at St. Olaf grade school, Regis Middle School, and Regis High School where he graduated in 2007. He also attended classes at CVTC.
David had many interests. He was an excellent chess player and enjoyed many sports, especially football, baseball, golf and disc golf. He was a voracious reader and he had a particular interest in history. He taught himself to play guitar and rock music was his favorite. He especially enjoyed the band Third Eye Blind.
David will be deeply missed by his many family members and friends. He was truly a light and a blessing in our lives. He is survived by his parents, Tom and Janean, of Eau Claire; two brothers, Brian Hankes of Scottsdale, Arizona and Kevin Hankes of Platteville; his grandmother, Jean Welch-Pirk; uncles and aunts, Jack (Debbie) Hankes, Steve (Gini) Hankes, Barbara (Tom “Tug”) Thomson, all of Beaver Dam, Jim (Diane) Hankes, of Keokuk, IA, Paul (Julie) Hankes of Madison, Jerry (Donna) Hankes, of Columbus, Chris (Bill) Champeau, of Pardeeville, Greg (Kay) Simmons, of Madison, Allen Simmons, of Eau Claire, Scot Simmons, of Phoenix, AZ, and Amy Rasch, of Gulf Breeze, FL, and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edwin and Corrine Simmons; grandfather, Alfred “Louie” Hankes; and cousin, Mick Hankes.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 18th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Olaf Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian burial to follow at 11:00 AM. Fr. Brian Konopa will officiate.
If desired, memorials may be made to the family c/o Murray Funeral Home, 131 East Maple Ave. Beaver Dam, WI 53916.
The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. To leave online condolences, for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.
Service Details
Friday, December 18th, 2009, 11:00am, St. Olaf Catholic Church-Eau Claire