Vernon Harold Hanke

Dr. Vernon Harold Bud Hanke passed away Monday, May 9, 2016 at his home in McCook surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old. Bud was born on March 21, 1928 at Holyoke, Colorado to parents, William A. and Alma (Schnell) Hanke. The family moved to McCook where Bud graduated from McCook High School in 1946. He continued his education at McCook College where he played basketball and was a member of the team receiving the National Runner Up trophy while he was in school. While Bud was growing up he worked at his fathers business, Big Bills Smoke House. He also helped his father build the Drive-In-Theater. Bud entered the US Army on October 31, 1950 and served his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on October 21, 1952. After his discharge he enrolled in Optometry School in Chicago. After receiving his degree he returned to the McCook community where he started his long career at McCook Eye Clinic. Bud was united in marriage to Karen Kay Pollnow on August 10, 1964 at Cheyenne, Wyoming. To this union two children, Chris and Shannon were born. Bud was a member of the American Optometry Association, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and McCook Elks Lodge. He loved to hunt and fish, and follow his New York Yankees, LA Lakers and Nebraska Huskers. He was notorious for sending things home with his children that were worn out or broken having the last laugh on them. He was also known to have a heavy foot while driving. Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Alma Hanke; his wife, Karen Hanke; one sister, Virginia Fisher; and two brothers, William Jr. and Kenneth Hanke. Survivors include his daughter, Shannon Hanke of Lincoln; grandson Broc Bando of Bradenton, FL; son, Chris Hanke and wife, Heather; one granddaughter, Farren Hanke and grandson, Greyson Hanke all of Omaha; two sisters, Alma Mae Short of McCook and Wilda and husband, Marvin Willis, of Amarillo, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his name to the Community Hospital Home Health/Hospice. Friends may go online at www.herrmannfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Memorial services will be Friday, June 24, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Evangelical Free Church in McCook with David LaMoine officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorial Service

Friday, June 24, 2016 11:00 AM