William Carl August Stanke was born January 20, 1882, to parents August and Agnes Stanke, in Mariende-Walde, of Arnswalde County in Braundenburg, Germany. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church in Germany. On September 4, 1904, he was united in marriage to Martha Teresa Thewke. In April, 1905, they came to America and settled in Nebraska where they farmed many years. They moved to Idaho where they resided for 13 years before moving back to Nebraska to continue farming. This union was blessed with five children: Mrs. Frieda Tileston of Boise, Idaho, Erick Stanke of Fulton, New York, Rudi of Mesa, Arizona, Edna (Mrs. Arnold Steinke) of Boyd, Minnesota, and Arthur of Wheatridge, Colorado. Mr. Stanke is survived by his children; two daughters-in-law; one son-in-law; 12 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two sisters: Mrs. Emma Thewke of Madison, Nebraska, and Mrs. Helene Long of Monterey Park, California; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and five sisters. He was a member of First Lutheran Church since 1929 except for a brief period when he lived in Minnesota. He also served on the church board. He was engaged in farming until his retirement. He had lived at Shady Rest Lodge at Gary, South Dakota, for several years and was admitted to the Clear Lake Memorial Hospital, Clear Lake, South Dakota, on Saturday where he passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 1975, at the age of 93 years. IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM STANKE Born January 20, 1882 ~ Passed away July 8, 1975 Funeral Services Friday, July 11, 1975, 2:00 p.m. First Lutheran Church, Gary, South Dakota Officiating, Rev. E. Geischen Organist, Mrs. Myrtle Shephard Casket Bearers Gary Steinke ~ Delmare Fenske Roger Steinke ~ Erwin Baer Loren Steinke ~ Alvin Stoebner Final Resting Place Grand View Cemetery Gary, South Dakota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota