Obituary of Donald Delbert Hanks
Donald Delbert Hanks “Hanky” (87) longtime St. Maries, ID resident passed away on August 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Delbert and Angeline Hanks on September 7, 1936, in Harrison, ID. Hanky grew up in the Carlin Bay and Kellogg, ID areas. He attended school in Kellogg before enlisting into the U.S. Air Force.
Hanky served for 3 ½ years and spent some of that time in Iceland. When he was honorably discharged, he returned to the Silver Valley. In 1961, he married Virginia Kaplanek in Wisconsin and had a daughter Dana. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Hanky was quite smitten when he met Judy Nelson through her brother Jerry. The couple began dating before marrying in June 1979. They made their home in St. Maries with daughter Tanna.
To support his family, Hanky had several jobs over the years. He started his career in the logging/trucking industry for several years which prompted him to buy a self-loader and go into business for himself. He also worked for Kellogg Transfer, Sverdsten Logging, Sindt Logging, Larry O. Nelson Trucking, St. Maries Oil Co. He also established Hanky Panky’s and managed the Avery Trading Post (ATP) Bar with Judy. Hanky ended his career just days before he died driving water truck for Jack Buell. This was a job he very much enjoyed, and he had a mutual respect for his co-worker’s young and old.
Hanky loved having a good time; he enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, working, and socializing. His family and friends were most important to him. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, St. Joe River Boat Club, Montana Night Riders, St. Joe Snow Riders, St. Joe Water Ways, Riverdale Dike Commissioner. Hanky was loved so much by everyone and was the type of person who would do anything for anyone. To say he will be missed by his family, friends, and community is an understatement.
Hanky is survived by his wife Judy at their home in St. Maries; children Dana (Mark) Hetrick of Wisconsin and Tanna (Craig) Wicks of St. Maries; grandchildren Cassie, Ashley, Trace, and Carson; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Joyce (Quam), Jane (Rosenlund), and Ron.
A tribute to Hanky will be on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the Hanky Shelter at Cherry Bend Boat Park. Military honors will be presented. Please bring your favorite photo to be displayed, chairs or a blanket (seating might be limited), and memories to share. Memorial donations are suggested to the Benewah County Veteran’s Outreach, 534 Main Ave., St. Maries, ID 83861 or American Legion Post #25, PO Box 182, St. Maries, ID 83861.
