Robert “Bob” Edwin Henry Hanke, 85, of Mexico, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Pin Oaks Living Center.
A private family memorial service will be held.
Mr. Hanke was born on April 1, 1938, in St. Louis, the son of Edwin and Helen (Hessman) Hanke. On June 20, 1958, he married Jacqueline “Jackie” Ockel at Bethany Lutheran Church in St. Louis.
Bob had a diverse work career. He began working on the family farm in New Minden, Ill. and in the family record business in St. Louis, before being given the opportunity to learn and develop computer systems at Stix, Baer and Fuller. Robert eventually went back to farming in Wright City for a few years before moving to Mexico in 1976. He transitioned back to computer systems for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Columbia as well as Citizens Savings in Mexico. Later, he gave up the suit and retired from Optec in Mexico. Robert spent his retirement enjoying time with his wife, family, friends and watching Cardinals baseball.
Mr. Hanke was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Mexico Elks Lodge. He and his wife, Jackie, were also members of the Master Gardeners Club. He was part of the Mexico AARP group and served as president for several years. Bob also helped with A Walk Back in Time, History Camp and was a Khoury League baseball coach.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie of Mexico; a daughter, Gina (Terry) Crump of Mexico; two sons, David (Andrea) Hanke of Kansas City, MO and Dan (Ellen) Hanke of Olathe, KS; 10 grandchildren, Robert (Janessa) Crump, Jayme (Collin) Clement of Tebbetts, MO, Shaun Crump of Desloge, MO, Gibson, Tanner, Madison, Mikayla, and CJ Hanke, all of Kansas City, and Matthew and Erika Hanke, both of Olathe, KS; and three great-grandchildren, Katie, Abby and Dash.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Helen Hanke; and sister, Mary Helen Pries.
He consistently delivered support, laughter and optimism that will be missed daily.
The family requests memorial donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com
