Helen M. Hanns

Helen M Hanns, of Merrill, WI, passed away peacefully under hospice care at Pine Crest Nursing home in Merrill on Friday, January 10, 2025. Helen was born on February 15, 1948, in Phillips, WI, the daughter of Vince and Helen Foytik.

 She graduated from Phillips High School in 1966. She married Dennis Stanke on September 17, 1966, and they had two children, Sandee Bindl and Robert Stanke. Helen and Dennis divorced in 1990. Helen was then in a long-term relationship with Richard (Dick) Hanns, and they moved to Merrill in 1995. Helen and Richard were married on October 8, 2016.

 Helen was a lover of horses, raising Appaloosa’s for over 50 years. She was actively involved in local horse clubs over the years, including the Medford Rough Riders and Merrill Riders. She was a long-time member of the Appaloosa Horse Club. Helen enjoyed trail riding with Dick on her favorite horse, Tipper and their trusty dog, Duke following along. She also enjoyed Country music and line-dancing with Dick. Helen loved all animals including watching the wildlife out her front window. She had names for the wild turkey’s that came to her bird feeders and for the pair of Eagles that flew over the farm.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Donald Foytik. She is survived by her husband, Richard (Dick) Hanns; children, Sandee (Jeff) Bindl of Loganville, WI and Robert (Christine) Stanke of Phillips, WI; sisters, Carol Lapp and Susan Nordall, both of Phillips, WI; four grandchildren, Dustin (Wilma) Stanke of Athens, WI, Dylan (Jaunita) Stanke of Phillips, Jacob and Brett Bindl, both of Loganville, WI; and four great grandchildren.

 Per Helen’s wishes, no service will be scheduled. Cremation will take place followed by an inurnment at a later date at Nola Cemetery in Park Falls, WI followed by a Celebration of Life in Phillips, WI in the Spring.

 The family would like to thank Interim Hospice and Palliative Care of Wausau, as well as Pine Crest Special Care Unit for their kind and compassionate care. 

 Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.