Jean Hankes

September 22, 1922 - June 30, 2013

Jean Hankes (Welch-Pirk)

died on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam at the age of 90, following a fall.

Visitation will be held at St. Katharine Drexel Church, 511 S. Spring Street in Beaver Dam, on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at church on Tuesday beginning at 7:00 PM with the Reverend Michael J. Erwin officiating. A military burial will be held at St Peter”s Cemetery on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 8:00 AM.

Jean was born on September 26, 1922 to Edward and Gretchen (Kumba) Beers. She attended St Peter”s Catholic School and Beaver Dam Senior High, graduating in 1940. She enlisted as a Wave in the United States Navy during WWII. After basic training she was eventually transferred to Great Lakes where she spent most of her Navy career. Jean received an honorable discharge in May, 1946, having achieved the rank of Yeoman II Class. She was married on May 18, 1946 to Alfred “Louie” Hankes and they became the parents of 8 children: Tom (Janean) of Eau Claire; Jim (Diane) of Keokuk, IA; Paul (Julie) of Madison; Jack (Debbie) of Beaver Dam; Jerry (Donna) of Beaver Dam; Steve (Gini) of Beaver Dam; Barb (Tug) Thomson of Beaver Dam; and Chris(Bill) Champeau of Portage. Jean”s greatest legacy is her eight children who remain devoted to spending time together, sharing life and laughter. Jean was employed by the State of Wisconsin Division of Corrections for 18 years for Probation and Parole, retiring at age 65. After Louie”s death in 1984, Jean married Lester Welch, and later Bill Pirk, both who preceded her in death.

Jean was active in the Beaver Dam Community Theatre, St Katharine Drexel”s New Life Choir, Secular Franciscans, Daughters of Isabella, Women”s Club, Partners of Beaver Dam Community Hospital, NAIM & Beaver Dam Community Concerts. She volunteered many years for the American Red Cross, at Beaver Dam Community Hospital and the PALS program at Prairie View and Jefferson schools.

Jean is further survived by one sister, Marjorie (Jerry) Butzler of Fond du Lac and one brother, Edward Beers of Beaver Dam, 24 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, step children, step grandchildren, many relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, two sisters; Helen Kronenberg and Marie Nast, two grandsons; Mick Hankes and David Hankes.

Memorials can be made in Jean”s name to St Katharine Drexel Parish or School.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 East Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013, 5:00pm – 7:00pm, St. Katharine Drexel Spring St. Church-Beaver Dam

Service Details

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013, 7:00pm, St. Katharine Drexel Spring St. Church-Beaver Dam

Interment Details

St. Peter’s Cemetery-Beaver Dam

Jean Hankes (Welch-Pirk) died on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam at the age of 90, following a fall. Visitation will be held at St. Katharine Drexel Church, 511 S. Spring Street in Beaver Dam, on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM. A Mass of Christian BurialContinue Reading

See Condolences

dear jack and deb i send you my heartfelt condolances. i hope the rest of your world is in good shape!!! i am having the first of 2 hip replacements next week! waited a long time and then next year i can go back to work!!! i want you to know deb that my time spent in bdch in the or is paying off!!!hahah hugs to both of you and tell daniel that i am now sending bugs to my great nephews!! working on the next generation! hi ryan!!!

My deepest sympathy to the entire Hankes family. Your mother was a special lady. I have many fond memories of growing up on Henry Street and playing with the Hankes children. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful lady and know she will be missed.

My condolences to all of you on the death of your mom. Losing someone is always difficult to bear. May you find peace in knowing she was God fearing and a wonderful person.

To all the Hankes "kids": What a wonderful woman your mom was. We got to know her and Louie through Community Theatre back in the 60s and developed a long-standing love and respect for both of them. I (Roger) had the privilege of sharing the stage with Jean in "The Diary of Anne Frank" and got to know her really well. She was a neat lady and she''ll be missed by more than just you her family! God Bless you all.

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