Geraldine R. Hanke, of Antigo, died Monday, October 4, 2010 at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. She was 88 years old. She was born on May 5, 1922 in Mattoon, a daughter of John and Ida (Sturm) Fermanich. She married George Hanke on February 23, 1946 at St. John Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on April 9, 2006.

She was raised in Mattoon and was a 1940 graduate of Mattoon High School. She then attended St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Wausau and graduated in 1943.

Following college she worked as a nurse in West Bend Hospital and returned to Antigo in 1945. Mrs Hanke worked as a registered nurse at Langlade Memorial Hospital in the maternity ward for 39 years retiring in 1984.

Survivors include two daughters Margaret Peg (David) Schultz, Oregon, Terese Terri (Michael) Bannon, Racine; two sons Dennis (Karen) Hanke, Denver, Colorado, Mark (Sherry) Hanke, Antigo; nine Grandchildren Jennifer Hanke, Johnathan (Kristin) Hanke, Kara (Tod) Van Roy, Michael (Lea) Hanke, Kristin Hanke (Brian Paulson), Megan Hanke, Stephanie Hanke, Marc Bannon, Erin Bannon; two great grandchildren Madalyn and McKenzie; a brother Jack (Pat) Fermanich, Bass Lake; a sister in law Marion Fermanich, Antigo; many nieces and nephews.

In additon to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a daughter Catherine Kit (James) Allen; two sisters Carmen (Ed) Draeger and Lucille (Ted) Lokemoen; two brothers Carl (Leona) Fermanich and Paul Skip Fermanich.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Antigo with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 3:30 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Bradley Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.

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