Richard J. Hankins

Richard Jerry Hankins, age 84, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was born on January 16, 1942, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Bernice (Mills) Hankins. When Richard was about one year old, his family moved to the Sauk Prairie area, where he later graduated from Sauk Prairie High School in 1960. In February 1961, Richard enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for seven years. His service included three years stationed in France and an extended tour in Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSGT).

On May 30, 1962—just 15 days before departing for France—Richard married Mary McGill. Mary later joined him overseas, and while stationed in France, they welcomed their son, Brian, in April 1964. In April 1971, they adopted their daughter, Becky. Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1968, Richard began his career with Nationwide Paper (later Unisource Corp.) as the Madison, WI Branch Manager. He went on to retire in 2005 as Vice President of Government Sales at Unisource Worldwide.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed playing softball, as well as boating and camping with family and friends. He was a proud and active member of American Legion Post 348 in DeForest, WI. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family — especially his children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and even his beloved great-granddog, Fergie.

Richard is survived by his son, Brian (JoAnna); his daughter, Becky (Dean); grandsons Kyle and Cole; granddaughter Kira (David) Mngodo; and great-granddaughter Kendra. He is also survived by his brother, Russell (Kay) of Prairie du Sac; brother-in-law Tom Griffith of Baraboo; sister-in-law Erleen of Prairie du Sac; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of more than 58 years, Mary; his sisters Joyce, Teri, and Karen; and his brothers Raymond Jr., Tom, and Gary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson Street, DeForest, WI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Olaf Catholic Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the church.

An additional visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, WI.

The family will also host a Celebration of Life at Rude’s Lanes in DeForest on May 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 348 of DeForest, WI.



To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

 Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250