David Hanks

David Hanks, age 86, of Cable, WI, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at his home. 

David Hanks was born December 15, 1935, in North Haven, CT, the son of George and Doris (Meeker) Hanks.  He was raised in North Haven and attended from high school there.  At the age of 17, Dave enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was sent to Sampson Air Force Base in Lake Geneva, NY for basic training.  He went onto Chanute AFB in Bloomington, IL where Dave graduated from tech engine training.  He moved onto Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan and then Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison, WI.  While there, Dave met Darlene Mae Griffin.  Dave and Darlene were married on June 22, 1957, in Dubuque, IA.  Dave continued his military career at Altus AFB, Bergstrom AFB, Nouasseur Air Base, Torreόn Air Base, Kincheloe AFB and then with the Wisconsin Army National Guard in Spooner, WI.  He was then stationed at Duluth Air National Guard Base where he worked as a mechanic.  While there he earned two Meritorious Service Medals for outstanding achievement for his efforts with restoring the P-38 Lightning, aircraft of Richard I. Bong, currently on display at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, WI.  Dave retired from the Air Force with 28 years of service to his country.  After his military career, Dave worked for Hanks Grandview Garage, Ed’s Service Station, Project Sanguine, DuPont and Madison Gas and Electric.  He fully retired in 1994.  He was an active member of the American Legion Post 487 in Cable and was instrumental in building and fundraising for the Legion building.   Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and being a golf ranger.  He loved being at the lake with his family.    

Dave is survived by his wife of 65 years, Darlene; five children, David (Laurie) Hanks, Thomas (Katie) Hanks, Kari (Tim) Bjork, Judy (Dan) Hinman all of Cable, WI, and Cheryl (Dan) Hanks-Sinecki of St. Peters, MO; seven grandchildren; four of great grandchildren; four brothers, Robert Hanks of Charlotte, NC, Paul (Jane) Hanks of Wallingford, CT, Alan (Nancy) Hanks of East Greenbush, NY, Jeffrey (Evelyn) Hanks of Georgetown, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William and George Hanks; three sisters, Lois Stone, Ruth Ibsen and Margaret English.

A funeral service will be held for Dave at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 30, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cable, WI with Pastor Arleigh vonSeggern officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church on Friday.  Military honors will be accorded by the State of Wisconsin Military Funeral Honors Program and American Legion Post 487 of Cable.  Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Cable, WI.

Casket bearers will be Curt Berweger, Andrew Bjork, Nathan Gall, Chad Hanks, James Robertson and Jason Sinecki.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to Regional Hospice, 15910W Company Lake Road Suite 3, Hayward, WI 54843.