Vernon Harold "Bud" Hanke

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

March 21, 1928 - May 9, 2016

McCOOK, Neb. -- Dr. Vernon Harold "Bud" Hanke, age 88, passed away Monday, May 9, 2016, at his home in McCook.

Bud was born on March 21, 1928, at Holyoke, Colo., to parents, William A. and Alma (Schnell) Hanke. The family moved to McCook where Bud graduated from McCook High School in 1946.

Bud entered the U.S. Army on Oct. 31, 1950, and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 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 Aug. 10, 1964, at Cheyenne, Wyo.

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, Fla.: 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, Texas; 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 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 arrangements.