Dorothy M. Hanke, 94, formerly of Elderon, died on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Rennes Health and Rehab in Weston.
Dorothy was born April 22, 1931, in the Town of Norrie, the daughter of James and Hilda (Ranke) Twaroski.
On Aug. 19, 1950, Dorothy was united in marriage to Donald Hanke at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wittenberg. He preceded her in death on Dec. 17, 2013.
Donald and Dorothy dairy farmed for many years. Dorothy was very active on the farm, milking cows and gardening and canning vegetables. She was an amazing baker and loved to read. She was an avid bird watcher and a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Aid.
Dorothy is survived by three children, Daniel Hanke, Sharon (Paul) Resch and Thomas (Tess) Hanke; grandchildren, Justin Hanke, Brigid (Shane) Hanke-Hansen, Brittany (Brett) Hauser, Kelsey (William) McArthur and Mitchell (Savanah) Resch; great-grandchildren, Millaray, Jax, Leah and Jameson; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband; parents; children, Herbert and Karen; siblings, Geri Kaufman and George Twaroski; and other relatives.
Per Dorothy’s request, a private family graveside service will be held at Evergreen Rest Cemetery, Elderon.
Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
