Ronald “Papa Hay” Hanke of Marathon passed away on March 1st, 2022. On January 28th, 1943, he was born to the late Walter and Alma (Zastrow) Hanke. He was baptized and confirmed by St. Matthews Church, Marathon, and attended Marathon High School. On November 1st, 1969, he married Judith (Zunker) Hanke, Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin, where he remained a member. She preceded him in death on February 20th, 2014.

Ron was known as “Papa Hay” to his family and close friends. His most treasured joy was his four grandchildren. To honor his farming legacy, his grandsons gave him his nickname. Ronald spent many years on his farm, Hillside Ginseng Farm, in the Town of Stettin, where he tended ginseng, other crops, and cattle as well as planting flower gardens and vegetable gardens to gather ingredients for his Famous Canned Pickles. He plowed snow for the Town of Stettin for years.  

He will most famously be known for his love of the “Polka”.  There were few times you would be around him that he wouldn’t be listening to polka music or talking about the next polka dance he and Judy would be attending.  He took pride in his son Randy, learning to play the concertina at a young age and continuing to play polka music today.   He also loved hosting big and small parties, cooking and at any given time would be available for a game of sheepshead.  When not farming, Ron and Judy enjoyed traveling to casinos in Las Vegas, Reno Nevada, and Atlantic City.  His boisterous sense of humor was always present when entertaining others. Papa Hay found delight in sharing a joke to hear the laughter from those who had his attention. He loved attending local events, from the Marathon Fun Days to the Edgar Steam Engine Show.  He was always quick to make new friends even throughout all the years of hospital, rehab, and nursing home stays and would entertain anyone even if he wasn’t feeling the best.  

Besides his parents and wife, he is preceded in death by his brother Marvin Hanke, sister-in-law Karmen Hanke, brother-in-law Wayne Lang, brother-in-law Earl Wondrash, brother-in-law Carlton Luedtke, and brother-in-law Lawrence Gerhart.

He is survived in death by his son Randy Hanke and his children, Jace and Trey Hanke (mother Chris Bletsoe Hanke), Marathon and daughter Renee (Daniel) Braun and their daughters Kennedy and Avery Braun Prescott WI; his siblings Verna Gerhart, Orville (Darlene) Hanke, Janice Lang, brother-In-law Russell (Donna) Zunker, sisters-in-law Carol Wondrash and Cheryl Zunker; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.  

Funeral services will be celebrated at 11:00 am Monday, March 7th, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Stettin. Pastor William Ostrem will preside. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 6th from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, and again on Monday from 9:00 am until the time of services at the church. Ron will be laid to rest at Restlawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022, at 10:00 am. Online condolences can be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.   In lieu of flowers the family will be accepting memorials in his name.  

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to his grandson’s Jace and Trey Hanke, the staff at Mount View Care Center, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and the many supportive and good friends that have helped and cared for him throughout the years.  He will forever be loved.