Harry Hankel

Harry Albert Hankel age 89 of York, NE was born to Herman and Minnie (Otto) Hankel on January 8, 1919 at Hampton, NE, and met his Lord and Maker on Friday October 3rd at the age of 89 in York, NE.

arry was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church at Hampton, NE and confirmed his faith at St Paul’s Lutheran Church at Utica. He attended elementary and high school until the 10th grade when he was called home to help on his parent’s farm. In 1939 he met Phyllis Hotchkiss and in 1940 Harry proudly joined the Army to serve his country. In 1942 Harry hitchhiked home on a 3 day pass to make Phyllis his bride on December 3rd and enjoyed over 65 years together. In 1944 he was ordered to Europe, spending time in England and then to the mainland in November. He was Tank Commander of a light tank and joined the Battle of the Bulge where he was taken prisoner in Germany the final 4 months of the war. When he returned home Phyllis and Harry farmed for several years near Utica. After a farming accident he started his own TV/Appliance sales and repair business in York. In 1961 he returned to his passion of farming then they moved to their farm southwest of Benedict. In addition he sold DeKalb Seed Corn for many years.

Harry served on many boards at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, the Benedict Co-op Elevator board and also served on the Benedict School board as well. He was past Commander of the American Legion Post #19 and was instrumental in the formation of the Post Honor Guard helping to provide final honors for scores of his fellow veterans. He enjoyed many things in his life but the greatest joy was his family. He retired to York in 1984 but continued to farm whether it was around a table at the coffee shop or going out to the farm to mow and tinker.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis of York, his son Richard and his wife Kathy Hankel of rural York, his daughter Karen and her husband Ken Anderson of Lakeville, MN. His Grandchildren include Jody and her husband Ryan Church of Gardner, KS, John and his wife Mya Hankel of Omaha and Jeff and his wife Katie Hankel of Gardner, KS. Brian Anderson and Jason Anderson both of Grand Forks, N.D. Great Grandchildren include Ashley Hankel and Erin Hankel both of Omaha and Natalie Church of Gardner, KS. A sister Victoria Coleman of Richardson, TX and a sister in law Blondina Hankel of Utica, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Sandra, four sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York with the Reverends Mike Neidow and Tim Marshall officiating. Military graveside services were at the Greenwood Cemetery in York. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.