David Michael Hankes

February 1, 1989 - December 10, 2009

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

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 baseballContinue Reading

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Projects in the past have brought your son Brian and our son Jordan together. So although we''ve never met, we''re sending our love and prayers to your family at this time and throughout the year.

Dear Tom & Janean, We do not know each other but I learned of this terrible tragedy through a mutual acquaintance. I do not claim to understand your tremendous grief and pain since I have never experienced the loss of a child, but I am familar with loss. Both of my parents are deceased, recently (June) losing my mom. Their are no adequate words to describe the agonizing pain one feels from such a loss. I do not need to go on. My intentions for contacting you are this simple. We (Christians) respectfully offer the appropriate words to say at times such as this, but the truth is, God truly does heal the broken-hearted like He claims to want to do in the Bible. What your family is going through is only a thing God himself can repair. He wants you and those around you that are hurting so deeply to cry out to him and expect Him to give you all the peace, the comfort you all desperately need right now and into the future without David. No human being can give this to you but an Almighty God. The God we claim to know, love, and serve with all our heart. What good is a god if He is never sought out to heal and comfort when He said He would if we cried out to him? At the very heart of your issue concerning David''s death is God. The truth that He is an ever-present help in times of trouble like we claim He is in the times we don''t really need Him. Let me try to express to you that He loves you beyond human comprehension, He desires to take you lives, your heart, your pain and make something good from this terrible loss. God is there if you seek Him. He has truly been real in my life as I dared to believe the truths in His word, the Bible. Run to Him and ask Him for His help. He can do far more than you could imagine. He is the God of impossible situations. If you ever want to contact me please feel free. Melanie

Tom, Janean, Brian and Kevin, Words cannot express the sympathy I have for you in this great time of loss. How heavy your burden must be. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, and God is watching over you.

Dear Tom, Janean, Brian, & Kevin~ May our loving God provide each of you with strength and peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, John, Marcia, Ben, & Sarah Patin

Please accept our deepest condolences to all of you. We have many great memories of David and your family. We are all praying for you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am so sorry for your loss. I was David''s middle school choir teacher, and I remember what a nice singing voice he had! Even after I was no longer his teacher, David was always a very polite, considerate young man. My sincerest condolences to your family, and my prayers are with you.

Brian and Family - My heartfelt condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all you. God Speed!

Dear Tom, Janean, Brian and Kevin-please know that you are in our prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. We pray for God''s comfort, strength and peace for each of you.

Tom, Janean, Brian and Kevin - Our heart felt sympathy goes out to all of you. We were deeply saddened by the news of David''s death. He and Kyle had a lot of fun playing computer games back in the day. While I''m sure you know David is at peace and "home" now with our Father, there is no replacement for your loss. Blessings and love to all of you. Joe Frank, father of Kyle

Our condolences on your loss. David was a very good friend to our son, Joe Halle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.