Larry Francis Hanko died at home on March 21, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on April 24, 1951, in Reedsburg, WI to the late Norma and Francis Hanko becoming their third child. Larry grew up in Cazenovia, WI., where his love of the outdoors started. He attended St. Anthony’s Grade School and graduated from Weston High School. He was a kind, quiet and genuine man who was always willing to help a friend or neighbor. On December 6, 1991, he married the love of his life, Gail Kolstad, they spent 19 years together and built their dream log cabin home in Forestville, WI.
Larry was an outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, talking about the weather and tending to his garden. He was a member of HAWK Lodge in Mercer, WI and always looked forward to the time spent at the cabin with the boys. He knew every type of bird that visited his yard and as a long-time truck driver, he knew the roads like the back of his hand and could get anywhere without a map. His bright smile and the twinkle in his eye will be missed by his family and the many friends he leaves behind.
He is survived by his daughter, Kara (Kieran) O’Keeffe, step-children, Gary (Becky) Kolstad, Bonnie (Todd) Miller, Scott (Candy) Kolstad and Kelli (Dean) Hackett. Brother Tim (Karen) Hanko, sisters, Lucy (Wayne) Whitlock, Shirley (Louie) Peper, Joyce Graves and Kerri (Kurt) Lentz. He is further survived by grandchildren, Harrison and Stevie O’Keeffe, Tory (Cherry) Miller, Nichole (Justin) Blazel, Logan Miller, Brittany (Rodney) Rodgers, Joshua (Katie) Kolstad, Ashley (Desmond) DePas, Kaylin (Josh) Eckstein, Myria (Riaan) VanEck, Tyler (Paige) Hackett, Travis (Kelsey) Hackett, Amber and Caleb Kolstad, friend Emajean Harmann, many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Gail Hanko, parents and grandson, Joseph (Joey) Hackett.
A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 29 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, Maplewood, from 9:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ryan Krueger officiating. Burial in the church cemetery with lunch to follow.
If you want to remember Larry, take a walk outside, watch the birds or start a garden. We love and miss you, Dad.
The family wants to thank Laurie Schinderle and the Schinderle Funeral Home for helping them with the arrangements.
Express your sympathy, memories and pictures on Larry’s tribute page at www.schinderlefuneralhome.com
