Ronald Hanke
Ronald “Papa Hay” Hanke of Marathon passed away on March 1, 2022. On Jan. 28, 1943, he was born to the late Walter and Alma (Zastrow) Hanke. He was baptized and confirmed by St. Matthews Church, Marathon, and attended Marathon High School. On Nov. 1, 1969, he married Judith (Zunker) Hanke, Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin, where he remained a member. She preceded him in death on Feb. 20, 2014.
Ron was known as “Papa Hay” to his family and close friends. His most treasured joy was his four grandchildren. To honor his farming legacy, his grandsons gave him his nickname. Ronald spent many years on his farm, Hillside Ginseng Farm, in the Town of Stettin, where he tended ginseng, other crops, and cattle as well as planting flower gardens and vegetable gardens to gather ingredients for his famous canned pickles. He plowed snow for the Town of Stettin for years.
He will most famously be known for his love of the “Polka.” There were few times you would be around him that he wouldn’t be listening to polka music or talking about the next polka dance he and Judy would be attending. He took pride in his son, Randy, learning to play the concertina at a young age and continuing to play polka music today. He also loved hosting big and small parties, cooking and at any given time would be available for a game of sheepshead. When not farming, Ron and Judy enjoyed traveling to casinos in Las Vegas, Reno, Nev., and Atlantic City. His boisterous sense of humor was always present when entertaining others. Papa Hay found delight in sharing a joke to hear the laughter from those who had his attention. He loved attending local events, from the Marathon Fun Days to the Edgar Steam Engine Show. He was always quick to make new friends even throughout all the years of hospital, rehab and nursing home stays and would entertain anyone even if he wasn’t feeling the best. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Marvin Hanke; sister-in-law, Karmen Hanke; brother-in-law Wayne Lang; brother-in-law, Earl Wondrash; brother-in-law, Carlton Luedtke; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Gerhart. He is survived in death by his son, Randy Hanke and his children, Jace and Trey Hanke (mother, Chris Bletsoe Hanke) of Marathon and daughter, Renee (Daniel) Braun and their daughters, Kennedy and Avery Braun Prescott; his siblings: Verna Gerhart, Orville (Darlene) Hanke and Janice Lang; brother-in-law, Russell (Donna) Zunker; sisters-in-law: Carol Wondrash and Cheryl Zunker; as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends.
A funeral service was celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 7, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin. Pastor William Ostrem presided. Visitation was on Sunday, March 6, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, and again on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Ron was laid to rest at Restlawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 10 a.m. Online condolences can be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. In lieu of flowers the family will be accepting memorials in his name.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to his grandsons, Jace and Trey Hanke, the staff at Mount View Care Center, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and the many supportive and good friends that have helped and cared for him throughout the years. He will forever be loved.
Paid obituary 117542
