Robert John "Bob" Hankey, 91, of Staples, died April 23, 2009 at the Lakewood Health System Hospital.

Funeral services were held April 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Fr. Scott Wittkop offi ciating. Burial was in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Arrangements were with the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

Bob was born Nov. 10, 1917, in Staples. He married Helen "Cindy" Gaukler on Oct. 1, 1947. In 1941, Bob went to work for Burlington Northern Railroad as an engineer for 44 years until his retirement in 1986. From 1942 to 1945 he service in the U.S. Army in WW II.

Bob served on the Staples City Council for 25 years. During his tenure, he was actively involved with city improvements in recreation facilities, programs for the youth, senior citizens services, community hospital, city library and many other city improvements.

Bob is survived by his wife; five daughters, Mary Kay (Bob) Burfeind; Allain (Greg Hani) Hankey; Toni Otteson; Michele (Don) Anderson; Bobby (John) Wangaard; two sons, George (Lenore); John (Denise); 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Lorraine Hankey; many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by, his parents, one son-in-law, Steve Otteson; one grandson; one greatgrandson; two sisters, Alice Miresse and Meredith Dahl.

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