In loving memory of

Neal Hanke

March 14, 1937 - December 3, 2023
From: Topeka, KS
Neal Hanke

Neal Hanke

Born: March 14, 1937
Died: December 3, 2023
Age: 86
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  Neal Alfred Hanke, age 86 of Topeka, KS, formerly of Early, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, at McCrite Plaza Senior Living in Topeka. Neal was born on March 14th, 1937, in Early, IA, to parents Alfred and Florence (Lange)Hanke.  

  Neal married Betty Eva Hutchinson on December 29, 1955, in Sac City, IA. Neal and Betty lived in Alaska and Colorado before moving to Iowa to raise their two boys, Ron and Tim. 

  Neal joined the Air Force in 1955 and was stationed in Anchorage, AK, where both boys were born. After moving to Iowa, he was employed as a milkman and a livestock buyer. They moved to Topeka where Neal was an assistant manager at Payless Cashways Lumber. He joined the Air National Guard at the 190th Air Refueling Wing in Topeka where he finished his career as an aircraft mechanic. Neal retired as a Master Sergeant at the age of 62 and was the oldest Master Sergeant in the Air Force. 

  Neal and Betty spent time between Topeka and Early taking care of the family farm and enjoying their grandkids and great-grandkids. 

  Survivors include his sons: Ron (Penny) Hanke of Arizona and Tim (Beth) Hanke of Topeka, KS; three grandchildren: Stephanie (Robert), Benjamin (Amber), and Sheri (Neil); eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; sister Jean; many extended family members and friends.

   Neal was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Florence Hanke; his wife Betty Hanke; and his sister Corinne. 

 

SERVICES
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m., Saturday
December 16, 2023
Unity Church
Sac City, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Reverend Missy Erickson
VISITATION
5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday
December 15, 2023
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Sac City, Iowa
INTERMENT
Oakland Cemetery
Sac City, Iowa

Condolences

Friday, January 5, 2024 at 9:20 AM
“Tim, I was very sorry to hear about your father's passing. I pray for your peace in this time of remembering and offer my gratitude for the legacy of service your family has given to our country.”
- Doug Tressler
Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 8:16 PM
“so sorry to hear of neal's passing, he and betty were awesome people and i was very fortunate to have worked with neal, betty, tim and ben at the 190th arw, condolences to the family. neal was always very helpful and cheerful and a great person to be around, hw will be greatly missed, RIP.”
- paul owens
Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 7:56 AM
“My condolences to Neal's family and friends. He was my primary trainer when I enlisted in the Air Force in 1984. For the six years we worked together, he was an excellent mentor and always kept me on track to succeed both personally and professionally. I rely on a lot of those lessons learned to this day.”
- Ken Oliver
Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 7:55 AM
“My deepest condolences to Tim and the rest of your family. Was a pleasure to have served with Neal. He was always kind and was a great person. ”
- Eric Webb
Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 7:55 AM
“Neil was a great guy who was dedicated to his family, friends and country. He was a joy to work with. Prayers for his family.”
- Brig Gen Deborah and Colonel Joe Rose
Monday, December 25, 2023 at 9:13 AM
“I am so so sorry to hear of Neil's passing. He was an amazing man! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.”
- Roni Erington
Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 9:22 AM
“I worked with Neal towards the end of his career with the 190th Air Refueling Wing. We worked on KC-135s together. He always had a smile on his face, and was so easy going. I was also fortunate enough to work with his son, and grandson at the 190th. Three generations serving their country in the same unit. Quite a legacy. ”
- Troy Abel
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