Hannelore Hoke (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Hannelore Olbertz Hoke, daughter of Eugen and Anny Olbertz, was born February 7, 1929, in Koblenz, Germany. Surrounded by her family, she was received into her heavenly home on Thursday, April 2, 2020, in James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of ninety-one years, one month, and twenty-six days.
On October 16, 1954, she was united in marriage to Ernest Lowell Hoke, and to this union two daughters and one son were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of fifty-four years, Lowell, on January 3, 2009; and two sisters, Ossana Pearson, and Marga Kleimeyer.
Hanna, as she was called by her family and friends, some of which could not pronounce her name, is survived by two daughters, Sylvia Melton, and Alexa Schweke, and her husband, John, all of Springfield, Missouri; a son, Eugene Hoke, and his wife, Kim, of Rogersville, Missouri; two grandchildren, Mallory Dougherty, and her husband, Ben, and Emily Melton; two great-grandchildren, Hadley and Harper Dougherty; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in Germany and then immigrated to the United States in 1954. Soon after, she met and married the love of her life, Lowell, and became a devoted homemaker and loving mother to her husband and children. They made their home in Lebanon, Missouri and lovingly raised their children.
Hannelore and Lowell loved to travel and Hannelore could make a friend wherever she was, regardless of language barriers. Her distinct German accent and vigor for life made her impossible to forget. Most people would tell you a similar story of Hannelore. She was proud of how high she could kick her leg and never left without a hug. Her natural athleticism and hunger for adventure kept her active until her final days. She spent most of her time swimming laps at the pool or hiking through the mall. She was loud, charismatic, fun loving and stubborn. She had an affinity for shoes and handbags, and her collection was something unrivaled. She was a phenomenal cook and often shared recipes from her life in Germany.
Hannelore was a character like something out of a movie, with incredible stories of her life, love and family. Though we will all miss her and her trademark quirks, we know she is rejoicing with God and with the man she lost too soon, Lowell.
Hannelore was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and was a caring friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will hold tight to the wonderful memories she made for them during her lifetime.
One of her favorite quotes was, “The sun shines, the tree flourishes, just as God’s love shines and we flourish. But as the sun’s warmth passes away into autumn, the tree fades into slumber. So must we, how wonderful though, when spring comes, life comes to the tree again. God’s love shines and into everlasting life we pass. The trees and God’s children are born again.”
In her later years, Hannelore would often say that she had the most wonderful life and wanted everyone to share the statement, “As I leave this world, I have had it all, most of all LOVE!”
A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.
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