IN MEMORY
Steven (Steve) Rush Hanke December 20, 1947 - July 26, 2018
Barry Bronson shared with us the passing of a dear classmate. I and I hope many shared some of life's adventures with Steve at our 50th Reunion, September 2016. It was wonderful to see him and meet his lovely wife, Carolyn. It is sad to say, but we are in God's hands now... so any time you can share time with old friends the recall good times....we need to do it while we are still on this side of the green.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Carolyn and the whole Hanke family.....May He rest in Peace.
FROM BARRY:
Deceased Classmate: Hanke
Obituary Link: https://obittree.com/obituary/us/texas/joshua/mountain-valley-funeral-home/steven-hanke/3574831/
Date Of Birth: Dec-20-1947
Date Deceased: July-26-2018
Age at Death: 69
Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer
Classmate City: Burleson
Classmate State: TX
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: wife, Carolyn; children, Jessica and Kevin Moore, Matthew Davis Hanke, Gary and Sarajane Hawley; grandchildren, E. Elizabeth Moore, Madison Lee Hanke, Adelyn Hawley; siblings, Susan and Dieter Walz, Sara Hanke Thorn and Larry Fiechtner; numerous loving extended family and friends.
He worked as an HR Director for most of his career. Most recently, Steve was a FWISD teacher in an emergency youth shelter, which he described as the best job he ever had. Donations to honor Steve can be made to achservices.org.
FROM PAPER:
Obituary for Steven Rush Hanke
Steven (Steve) Rush Hanke, 70, of Burleson, entered the presence of the Lord on Thursday, July 26, 2018.
Memorial Services: 2PM Monday, July 30, 2018 at Alsbury Baptist Church, Burleson.
Steve was born on December 20, 1947 in Albany, New York. He worked as an HR Director for most of his career. Most recently, Steve was a FWISD teacher in an emergency youth shelter, which he described as the best job he ever had. Donations to honor Steve can be made to achservices.org.
Survivors: wife, Carolyn; children, Jessica and Kevin Moore, Matthew Davis Hanke, Gary and Sarajane Hawley; grandchildren, E. Elizabeth Moore, Madison Lee Hanke, Adelyn Hawley; siblings, Susan and Dieter Walz, Sara Hanke Thorn and Larry Fiechtner; numerous loving extended family and friends.
Devon Hixenbaugh (Sloan)
Oh, this makes me very sad. Had no idea Steve was sick when we enjoyed being together at the reunion. I will miss you, friend, and hope happy memories will bring peace to your family, friends and colleagues.
Susan Devlin
Beautifully said Devon....when we hear of one of those we were able to renew a hug and trade some stories....we were blessed to have a place to celebrate life. Steve always had a smile and a good word about everone. I am sure he will be missed by many in his life.
Sam Lynn
I'm so sorry to hear about Steve. He and I were pretty good friends in high school, and were in a folk-rock band together with Don Harmon and Dick Montgomery. Steve was a great guy, and a lot better guitarist than I was! This is bad news - I hadn't seen Steve in years, but I remember him well as a friend who shared his love of music with me. Barry, thanks for letting us know about Steve!
Susan Devlin
Sam....one more reason why one should attend a reunion....to say Hi when one can. Maybe we must think 2021! We won't have many after that.....my heart breaks for all those who have lost loved ones.
Joseph (Joe) Berwanger
I well remember Steve back in Lebo days. He was a great guy...smart and a lot of fun. We all lost one of the best. My deepest condolences to his family.
Rande McCollum (Macchiette)
It is so painful to feel and be so removed from your past. When I came back for reunion in 2016,having not been there for 46 years.... I travelled through Mt. Lebanon, and long lost memories just flooded through me. Steve Hanke was part of my little neighborhood in Mt. Lebanon back in the elementary school days.... and just always "knew" he would live to be a "great guy". Thank you , Steve, for the memory.
Jack Watchorn
Steve was a friend, not only in high school, but several years after 1966. He left us far too early. My deepest sympathy goes out to Steve's family, and may you have the strength to endure during this sorrowful time. Rest in peace my dear Mt. Lebo classmate.
Lawrence Simon
I was so totally shocked by the death of Steve Hanke. It made me realize again that none of us gets out of here alive. It also motivated me to sign up on Lebo66. I do so regret not staying in touch with Steve over the years. I knew he was in Texas somewhere, but I had no idea where. Recently, I found a video of Steve and his wife Carolyn on the internet from maybe 2005. They were honest, sincere, and sweet. Steve was one of what I considered to be my four best friends in high school. Steve was very caring and gave me pep talks in junior high. Steve was very creative. For seventh grade music appreciation class he made a flute out of a reed he found in the woods between his home and my home (now called Bryd Park). He painted the reed with red enamel to give it strength and pizazz – and he could play a tune! Several times I got invited in early spring or late fall to his family’s retreat on Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. I knew it was for the manpower, but it was well worth it. We had to put the dock in and out and things like that, but it was a blast. Steve and his father, Gil, were very much into their Flying Scot. I never realized the Scot was so light, but I looked it up, less that 700 pounds. We could really fly through the water and I got my first taste of sailing. In the evening Steve’s father would wow us with the physics of the moon’s orbit, the tides effect on the earth’s spin, and things of which we knew nothing at the time. Steve was a stand up guy at all times. One time I passed out on their Mayfair Drive kitchen floor (you figure it out). Steve drove me home in my father’s car and walked himself home – through the woods, I guess. Anyone who knew Steve will miss him. I wish his sisters Sara and Susan all the best. Steve made a difference.
Susan Devlin
Larry, what beautiful memories of Steve. Thanks for sharing. We all who attended the 50th were so happy to have had an opportunity to catch up a little....who knew? No one knows and to have the opportunity to renew a relationship from our special years at Lebo embeds another special memory to our minds as we wade through this final quarter.