January 18, 1941 ~ March 15, 2024
March 30, 2024
Sunset Memorial Chapel & Gardens
Visitation: 12n-2pm
Vigil Service: 2pm
Inurnment/Committal: 3pm
Gary was born in Clare, Iowa, on the family farm, January 18, 1941. He was born to Clifford and Viola (Otteson) Hankins. Gary passed away on March 15, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona of heart-related problems.
Gary is survived by his sons Todd, Terry, Timothy and Tyler, four grandchildren, Laura (James) Halloway, Devon (Jordan) Marmaro, Ryan Hankins, and Evan (Lauren) Hankins. Four beautiful great grandchildren; Jimmy and Vayda Halloway, Finley Marmaro, and Avery Hankins, and his sister, Jan Davis.
Gary is preceded in death by his wife Karen, parents Clifford and Viola, and sister Marilyn Hankins.
He grew up in Dakota City, Iowa. Gary was called "Hank" by family and friends for obvious reasons. After graduation from Humboldt High School in 1959, he attended South Dakota State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in engineering. He eloped and married (1961) his high school sweetheart Karen Rae Holden in Brookings, South Dakota while attending classes. His first child was born in Brookings, this was the start of what became of 62 years of marriage.
Gary could do it all, the engineering job was slow going however, one in between job was with the police reserves in Des Moines, Iowa. He still had his gun and badge. Gary was an avid duck hunter. He loved to build duck blinds and hunt with his best buddy Cliff Rooney who we also lost recently. Gary was big on camping with his family. He was also there to support his ornery boys. As kids, the boys, also known as the four T's (Todd, Terry, Timothy and Tyler) would beg dad for a tree house whether deserved or not. Gary designed and built, the engineer he was, a club house that was supported by one telephone pole (around the pole about 8 foot up). Entrance was by ladder or rope. Us boys were the coolest in town due to its unique design. He loved Braunschweiger and mayo on his cheese sandwiches. Gary was also known for his beautiful correct handwriting skills; his penmanship was outstanding.
Gary worked for Pittsburgh Steel, (Des Moines plant) which eventually closed, and Gary was asked to continue in Pittsburgh, PA. Gary included the entire family in the decision to stay in Des Moines or go to Pittsburgh. The family decided to stay in Des Moines. He continued his career with Construction Materials Inc.
Gary was a family man and will be missed very much.
Sunset Memorial Chapel & Gardens will host a Catholic Vigil Service at 2:00pm on March 30, 2024, with a public visitation from 12n-2pm. An inurnment/committal is scheduled to follow at 3:00pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.