Obituary: Denise Hanks

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Denise Hanks, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on October 30, 2023.

         She was born on September 18, 1947, the youngest child of Charles and Martha (Halkola) Heikkinen, was raised in Woodside Location, graduating from Dollar Bay High school and from Suomi College. She worked most of her life in retail and was employed by Walmart at the time of her death. She was a valued and dependable employee and made many friends at work. From childhood on Denise adored animals and her life was filled with many beloved pets. She was a voracious reader and excelled in various types of handwork creating exquisite needlework projects. She designed and sewed dozens of beautiful quilts.
        Denise was preceded in death by her husband Roy Hanks in 2007; her parents; her Finnish immigrant grandparents, John and Elizabeth Halkola and Erick and Frederiika Heikkinen; twelve aunts and uncles; many cousins; and a niece, Heidi Slining.
        She is survived by her beloved children Jesse (Karen) of Dodgeville and Elizabeth Corrigan of Chassell. Grandchildren Bredon Hanks, Riley and Drew Elizabeth Corrigan of Chassell; Cameron (Britney) Fowler and great-granddaughter Meliora of Rochester, Minnesota; by her brother Alan Charles Heikkinen
(Corrie) of Calumet; by her sister Donna Slining, her nephew Chad (Julie) Slining; and niece Caitlin (Aaron) Sampson and her children, Jenna and John all of California; and by her Sister-in-law Nancy (late
Gary) Smith of Escanaba.

        Denise will be remembered for her quick witty sense of humor, infectious giggle, and her devotion to her feline companions, Lily, Gilead, and Monkey

        A Celebration of life will be planned next summer.

     To view Denise’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.