Robert Hankes

ROBERT JOHN HANKES, age 49, of Sugar Grove, IL died unexpectedly, Friday evening, March 19, 2004. Preparing for Spring planting he died in the midst of the work that was his heart and soul. . BORN /CHILDHOOD / EDUCATIONHe was born February 24, 1955 in Aurora, IL, the son of Raymond and Shirley Hankes.Bob grew up in Sugar Grove and graduated from Kaneland High School with the class of 1973. Following graduation, he went on to Joliet Junior College, where he graduated with an Associate Degree in Agriculture. Returning home, he farmed with his father and brother raising cattle and hogs. From the time he was born, Bob was a farmer. The rich, dark earth of the field was the very soil of his soul and no one had a greater heart for animals than Bob. Lost one afternoon as a child, his mother found him asleep on the floor of the brooding house, watching the chicks. Then again, Bob was full of mischief and once brought his mother fresh flowers from the garden with an equally fresh garter snake amidst the bouquet! Like most young farm boys, Bob joined 4-H and showed cattle and hogs at the Kane County Fair. In 1981, a loose steer galloped past the crowd and Bob followed close on its heels. The chase caught the eye of Lorri Erickson and Bob was shortly lassoed and tied up in matrimony. Lorri and Bob were married Feb. 4, 1984 at Holy Angels Church, Aurora. They made their home in Aurora where Rebecca, Bradley and Benjamin were born. In 1990, they moved to the present family home in Sugar Grove where Bridget was born in 1994.In all the world, there was nothing more precious to Bob than his children. He was their greatest fan. Family gatherings were favorites for Bob. He and Lorri were always the first to come and the last to leave. Bob was also a familiar face at many other folks family gatherings as Bob’s Roasting Service. He fed thousands and made good times last for families throughout the area. MEMBERSHIPIn addition to farming with his family Bob was a sales representative with DeKalb and Burrus seed companies. He was active in 4-H, Boy Scouts and the Future Farmers of America. He was a member of the Kane County Young Farmers group as well as a member and past board member of the Kane County Farm Bureau and the Kane County Corn Growers. SURVIVORSHe is survived by his wife, Lorri (Erickson) and their four children:Rebecca of N.I.U., DeKalb;Bradley, Benjamin and Bridget, all of Sugar Grove;his mother, Shirley Hankes of North Aurora, IL;4 sisters: Beth (Dennis) Engel of Hampshire, ILJoan (Paul) Burns of Springfield, ILPatricia (Gregory) Sinn of Tremont, IL and Christine (Michael) Turner of North Aurora, IL; 3 brothers:Raymond (Ellen) Hankes of Hendersonville, TN,Nicholas (Darlene) Hankes of Virgil, IL andJames (Kae) Hankes of Galesburg, IL;twenty-nine nieces and nephews; soon to be eight great nieces and nephews anda countryside of friends.PRECEDEDHe is preceded in death by his father, Ray Hankes.MEMORIALSA memorial fund has been established in Robert’s name, to benefit his children. Gifts as well as remembrances may be conveyed to the family through P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.

VISITATION / FUNERAL - optional addition to service arrangement explanationBob Hankes loved deeply, shared generously, worked tirelessly, and left us unexpectedly. Though his death is a tragedy, his life was a triumph in many ways and that is the memory his loved ones and friends will gather to share at visitation, Tuesday evening from 4-9pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. At 4:30, they will share the rosary and Wednesday morning, March 24, they will gather where Bob worshipped at Holy Angels Church, Aurora, and give thanks to God for the gift of this very special man.

Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Aurora