Douglas “Hank” Hanken
Douglas “Hank” Hanken, 70, of Marshalltown, IA, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was surrounded by the love of his family as he drew his final breath. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at Grimes Farm Nature Center in Marshalltown. Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to gather in the amphitheater area. As we celebrate a life cut too short, friends and family will be invited to share a story or a few words to honor his memory. Memorials may be directed to Marshall County Conservation. Anderson Funeral Homes of Marshalltown has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Hank was born on November 7, 1953, in Oelwein, IA, to Donald and Diana (Davis) Hanken. He moved to Marshalltown where he graduated high school in 1972 and went on to have a 42 year career as a locomotive engineer for both the Chicago Northwestern and Union Pacific Railroads. Hank met his wife, Kim, in 1976 and they spent the next 48 years sharing their love of nature and adventure together while raising their three children: Jake, James, and Claire.
Hank’s competitive spirit was difficult to match. He thrived on competition; from his fierce support of the Hawks, to playing games of all types like bags, cards, and trivia, to his final love of pickleball where he gained a family of cherished friends.
Hank loved to share his gifts with those around him, whether it was taking his kids on camping and fishing trips, cooking and baking everyone’s favorite foods, or arriving at the drop of a hat to help with tasks big and small; his giving nature knew no bounds.
Hank’s love for his family will be his greatest legacy. He loved with fervor and was the heart and soul of all gatherings. He adored his wife, treasured his children, and was the most beloved grandfather there ever was. He will be deeply missed.
Left to honor and cherish Hank’s memory are his wife, Kimberly (Mills) Hanken, Marshalltown; children Jacob (Leslie) Hanken, Garwin; James (Amy) Hanken, Carlisle; Claire (John) Gervich, Marshalltown; six grandchildren: Ava Hanken, Everlee and Ezra Hanken, and Ellis, Adlai, and Abram Gervich; his siblings, Steve (Barb) Reinke, Stilwell, Kansas; Cindy (Jon) Bru, Marshalltown; and Matt (Nancy) Hanken, New London, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael.
Celebration of Life: Saturday morning, August 3rd at 10:30, Grimes Farm Nature Center Amphitheater located at
2349 233rd St, Marshalltown, IA, 50158.