Steven John Hanken

Steven John Hanken, 71, of Olathe passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024. He was born on November 13, 1952, in Decorah, Iowa to Vernon and Marie (Schneberger) Hanken. Steve grew up in Fremont, Nebraska where he graduated from Fremont Bergan High School in 1971. After high school he spent time in the Air Force (1975-1979) where he received his training as computer technician which launched his career in computers. On February 26, 1972, Steve met his wife Connie (Ryman) Hanken on a blind date, they were married on April 27, 1974 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Their beautiful marriage of 50 years included time spent living in Wichita Falls, Texas (1975), Omaha, Nebraska (1976-1995), and Olathe, Kansas (1995-2024). In April of 1976, Steve and Connie became first time parents welcoming their daughter, Jill. Steve’s family continued to grow adding a son, Thomas in 1980, and daughter Katie in 1982. He was the grandfather of 5 grandchildren.

Remembering Steve as a simple man does not do him service, but it is the best way to describe him. He was the epitome of the strong silent type, but he was a giant when it came to those he loved and showed it through the care of his family rather than his words. However, he could talk your ear off if you got him going about the right topic: Huskers, Royals, Chiefs, and history or anything that his family needed. His hearing was not the best, but that did not stop him from being a good and heartfelt listener. He was honest, quiet, caring, and kind, he was also the partner you wanted if you were playing cards, bocce ball or Trivial Pursuit.

As a boy, he loved spending time with his uncle Cyril Hanken at his farm in Iowa. Along with his passion for sports he had many hobbies including being in the outdoors. In 1988, his family camping adventures began, spending most spring and summer weekends camping. They vacationed in North Shore, Minnesota, Glacier/Yellowstone National Parks and Disney World. He loved flying drones, model trains-building his own train villages including one around the Christmas tree. He loved the holidays with family, making birthday cakes, holiday meals/treats, and chocolate chip pancakes with grandkids.

After retiring in 2018, Steve and Connie returned to their joy of camping highlighted by trips the Hot Air Balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico and a trip to Utah the Mighty Five National Parks, Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. Steve enjoyed camping with Connie, but never missed the chance to camp with groups or to invite family out to join them. He enjoyed being at home, grandkids always knew where to find Grandpa, sitting in the den in his computer chair. 

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Connie (Ryman) Hanken, three children Jill (Mike) Taylor of Olathe, KS, Thomas (Bre) Hanken of Gardner, KS, Katie (Eddy) Foote of Overland Park, KS. Grandchildren Cole (Emilee) Taylor, Lynndsie Taylor, Edward Foote, Harper Hanken, and Ryman Hanken. Brothers and sisters Randy, Lee (Lisa), Kevin (Tamara), Sue, Cindy, Gary, and TJ (Dina), sister in-law Deloris (Earl) Oltman and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Marie, brother Kenny, brother in-law Roger Ryman, and sister in-law Patty Hanken.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Olathe, KS on November 15th from 1 to 4pm. In lieu of flowers and memorials, please use those funds to spend time with family and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers and memorials please use those funds to spend time with your families.

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