Delores "Dee" Hanke

Delores “Dee” Hanke, 86, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Monday, April 16, 2018, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Delores Katherine was born on August 29, 1931, in Ashton, Iowa, the first born to Clarence and Ora (Eichman) Kuiper. She grew up on the family farm with her brother, Jerome and sister, Shirley. At the beginning of her teenage years, the family moved to the nearby town of Sibley where she graduated from Sibley High School in 1949. Following graduation, she moved to Spirit Lake and began working for the Milford Telephone Company. Shortly after her move, she met Delbert Eugene “Buck” Underwood for a first date at Arnold’s Park. The couple was united in marriage on November 2, 1952, and remained living in Spirit Lake, where their two sons, Scott and Curtis were born. In 1956, the family moved to Boone where “Buck” began working in the automotive industry and Dee stayed home to care for the boys. A few years later in 1961, the family made Newton home and to this day her son, Curt resides in their family home. During this time, she raised her sons, worked at the Congregational Church of Christ and also began selling cosmetics for Fashion 220. Through the years she worked hard to grow her business and achieved the honor of being the state district manager; earning three cars along the way. As if all of that wasn’t enough she also worked part-time at Morgan Jewelers.

The family enjoyed many road and camping trips in the station wagon, picnics, and sledding adventures. One of the boys' favorite memories was hiking at Ledges State Park, and having their mom teach them to swim. In all of the ventures of raising boys she even served as a Cub Scout Den Mother. Just a couple of weeks from their 20th wedding anniversary in 1972, “Buck” passed away.

In 1978, through a mutual friend, Dee was introduced to Harold Hanke of Atlantic, and the couple married the next year. Dee worked alongside Harold at Hanke Jewelry for the next 16 years. She loved visiting, getting to know many in the community through the business and felt honored to help customers select that perfect gift. She delighted in having people share stories of how they had found their wedding bands or other cherished pieces at Hanke's. She also opened the women’s clothing store, Exceptional Lady for a time, in Atlantic. In the midst of their careers, Dee and Harold found time to travel and in doing so, discovered the ideal spot they would eventually call home in Palm Desert, California. In 1995, the couple retired and spent time between Atlantic and Palm Desert. Being in her so-called retirement didn’t change a lot for Dee as she kept busy while in California selling the Doncaster clothing line through trunk shows in her home and throughout the area. She thoroughly relished life in sales as well as volunteering for various charities. Living life to the fullest was always a motto Dee adhered to and she took every opportunity to soak up all it had to offer! She looked forward to her many day trips to the coast and attending the symphony; she made many friends in California who they enjoyed vacations and various experiences with. Dee was also an amazing cook and delighted in whipping up delicious meals. Always harboring an artsy side to her personality, she decided she wanted to pursue that further; she dove right into painting, and soon realized the thrill in finishing a piece of art. Looking back on all that she had accomplished, her greatest pleasure and prize was that of being mother to her boys.

Dee is survived by her sons, Scott E. Underwood of Des Moines and Curtis A. “Coupe” Underwood of Lambs Grove/Newton; granddaughter and great-granddaughter, Jamie and Izzabella Johnson of Des Moines; sister, Shirley (John) Dekkenga of Burnsville, MN; 13 nieces and nephews; extended family; and friends from coast to coast.

She is preceded in death by her husbands, D.E. “Buck” Underwood and Harold Hanke; and her brother, Jerome Kuiper.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 28, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Following the service, the family invites you to join them for lunch in the fellowship hall. Burial will be held at a later date in the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Van Meter.

A Celebration of Life for Dee will also be held in Palm Desert this autumn once her snowbird friends have returned and can join the year rounders. Dee’s sons will keep everyone posted once a date has been set.

The family encourages memorials to be given in Dee’s name to the Ann Wickman Child Development Center or to a starving artist in honor of Dee’s love of art.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Dee’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE

Delores “Dee” Hanke

BORN
August 29, 1931 - Ashton, Iowa

DIED
April 16, 2018 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 86 years, 7 months and 18 days

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 28, 2018
First United Methodist Church - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Reverend Dean McPherson

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“How Great Thou Art” by Heidi Hinman

“Dolores” recorded by Frank Sinatra and The Pied Pipers
to the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

“You Are My Sunshine” by Heidi Hinman

HONORARY BEARERS
Scott Underwood
Curt Underwood
Vernon Underwood
Tom Underwood
Jeff Kuiper
John Dekkenga
Hal Gronewold

INTERMENT
At a later date
Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery - Van Meter, Iowa

Dee’s family invites you to join them immediately
following the service for lunch in the fellowship hall.

Memorials may be given in Dee’s name to the Ann Wickman Child
Development Center or to a starving artist in honor of Dee’s love of art.