Geraldine "Gerry V. Hanback

Geraldine “Gerry” Venita (Rose) Hanback, age 90, of Ripon, WI was promoted to her heavenly home where she was greeted by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Whispering Pines in Ripon.

Gerry was born on July 20, 1935 in Johnson County, Kansas, to the parents of Leroy and Nellie (Mott) Rose. She was a 1954 graduate of Fordland High School in Missouri. Shortly thereafter she joined The WACs. She was honorably discharged following her marriage to the love of her life, James M. Hanback. She and James raised their three children while traveling the country as he furthered his military career. In 1971 they moved to Ripon where James worked in the ROTC Department at Ripon College. After James’ retirement in 1978 they continued to make Ripon their home until their respective deaths.

Gerry was active in her church, Ripon Baptist Church, where she served as church hostess for several decades. She was also involved in Ladies’ Bible Studies both as student and teacher. She was a faithful prayer partner even after age had presented challenges of serving physically.

Gerry leaves behind two sons, Rev. James “Douglas” (Jana) Hanback, and Jeff Hanback both of Ripon, WI; special friend, Denise Anderson; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles Rose of Charlotte, NC; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy and Nellie Rose; husband, James Hanback; daughters, Sally, Kimberly, and Pamela; son, Chad; three sisters; and three brothers.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971, with her son, Rev. J. Douglas Hanback officiating. You may view a livestream of the funeral service at 1:00 pm by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am until the time of the service. A private family graveside service will be held at the Central Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery, King, WI at a later date.

Her family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the staffs of Ripon Medical Center, Whispering Pines, and SSM Hospice-Green Lake for their compassionate care of their mom over the last two months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed to either of the following: Wounded Warriors, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or SSM Hospice of Green Lake, 745 South St. #4, Green Lake, WI 54941.