Robert Hankey

Robert John (Bob) Hankey, 91, died Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Lakewood Health System in Staples.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, April 26 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and burial was on Monday at Evergreen Cemetery in Staples, with Father Scott Wittkop officiating.

Bob was born on November 10, 1917 in Staples and married Helen (Cindy) Gaukler on October 1, 1947. He was a great family man and was the proud father of seven children, thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Bob was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad starting in 1941. He served as an engineer for forty-four years until his retirement in 1986. This role was interrupted from 1942 to 1945 by his service in the US Army in WWII.

Bob served the Staples community throughout his life, including serving on the Staples City Council for twenty-five years. During his tenure, he was actively involved with city improvements in recreation facilities and programs for the youth, senior citizens services, community hospital and city library, and many other city improvements.

Following his retirement from the railroad and city council, Bob split his time between their home in Staples and cabin on Lake Alexander. He was active in his children's lives and with his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his wife, Helen (Cindy); children, Mary Kay (Bob) Burfeind, Allain (Greg Hani) Hankey, Toni Otteson, George (Lenore), John (Denise), Michele (Don) Anderson, and Bobby (John) Wangaard; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Steve Otteson; grandson, Charlie Otteson; great-grandson, Brandon Otteson; and sisters, Alice Miresse and Meredith Dahl.

He will be dearly missed by family.