Luella J. Hanke-Soerens, age 92, a resident of Pine Haven Christian Home, passed away peacefully on
Monday February 4, 2019. She was born September 20, 1926 in the Town of Lima, a daughter of the late
John and Evelyn (Eernisse) Prinsen. Luella attended school in Sheboygan Falls and was a graduate of
Sheboygan Falls High School, Class of 1944. Luella was united in marriage to Merlin Hanke on October
21, 1944. He preceded her in death on July 23, 1995. After marriage, Luella had been employed at the
Krier Canning Company and the H.C. Prange Company. After Merlin’s retirement, the couple provided
janitorial services to Faith United Methodist Church in Sheboygan Falls, and enjoyed their time in their
RV with their Good Sam camping club. The joy of Luella’s life was attending local auctions and flea
markets. Wilton Dell “Pete” Soerens and Luella Hanke were married on April 26, 1996. He preceded her
in death on November 30, 2002.
As a resident at Pine Haven, Luella enjoyed the various activities offered such as Bingo, Crafts and
Dominoes with her many friends. She was a faithful member of First Reformed Church of Sheboygan
Falls.
Surviving Luella are three sons: Dennis (special friend Luella Landwehr) and DuWayne (Dorita), both of
Sheboygan Falls, and Dean (Brenda) of Howards Grove, three step-sons; Steven (Joan) Soerens of
Houston, TX, Thomas (Joellen) Soerens of St. Charles, IL and Russell (Elizabeth) Soerens of Perkasie, PA, a
step-daughter, Diane Jean (Ted) Schroeder of St. Peter, MD. Grandchildren; Dorene (Dmitri) Thompson,
of Henderson, NV and Donovan (Tineke) Hanke of DuPont, WA , Jacob Van Engen of Howards Grove,
three great-grandchildren; Anora, Jaren and Amberly Hanke, as well as step grandchildren and step
great grandchildren, one sister, Dorothy Boeldt of Sheboygan Falls.
A Funeral service will be held on Monday February 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Zimmer’s Westview Funeral
& Cremation Care Center. The Reverend Brad Veenendaal will officiate. Luella will be laid to rest next to
her husband Merlin at Saron Cemetery in the town of Sheboygan Falls following the service. Friends may
call at Westview on Monday from 4 until the time of service.
A memorial fund has been established in the name of Luella Hanke-Soerens.
Luella’s family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Pine Haven, and Campassus Hospice for
the loving care Luella received as a resident.
