Hanken, Harlan G.

Harlan G. Hanken, 62, of Monticello, Iowa, died Friday, March 1, 2013, surrounded by family at his home after a brief illness.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at the Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello. In accordance with Harlan's wishes, his body has been cremated. A private family prayer service will be held and a private inurnment will be conducted at St. John's Cemetery in Monticello at a later date.

Harlan was born Sept. 11, 1950, in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Gerke and Elsa (Prull) Hanken. He graduated from Monticello High School with the class of 1968, and served in the Army from 1970-1971. Harlan was a farmer all of his life whose favorite place was the “chicken house” where he entertained many. He shared his cooking delights with many family and friends and enjoyed giving flowers to special people. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a good-natured man whose spirits carried him and others through the end of his days. As Harlan would say, “I am a very busy person.”

He is survived by two sisters, Beverly Harms (Ken Hasler) of Anamosa, and Irene Green of Monticello; a brother, Walter (Joyce) Hanken of Anamosa; nine nieces and nephews, Kevin (Vicki) Adamson, Calvin Adamson, Susie Benischek, Sandy Green, Sharon (Mike) Bertling, Keith (Grace) Green, Doug (Audrey) Green, Brenda Hanken, and Tammy Crawford; 13 great-nieces and nephews; and six great-great-nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Paul, in 1984; and three brothers-in-law, Grant Adamson, Kenneth Husmann, and Ralph Harms.

Harlan's family would like to thank the staff of Above and Beyond Hospice for their special care, and to his closest friends for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

Information is available and condolences accepted at .

Published March 3, 2013 in The Gazette