Lori S. Hanke

Lori S. Hanke, age 66, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025. She was born in Appleton on September 21, 1958, to the late Orlen and Betty (Hagen) Vollbrecht.

Lori was a one-of-a-kind soul. She was a proud hippie with a fierce spirit, a soft heart and a passion for life’s simple pleasures, like the perfect fishing spot, being the Dancing Queen on the dance floor, the roar of a motorcycle, or a classic black-and-white western. She was a natural behind the bar, quick with a joke, listening ear, and your drink just the way you liked it.  Lori found joy in crafts, crosswords, chasing waterfalls, and collecting Santas. She grew her hair long with a purpose, donating it to Locks of Love, because giving back was simply in her nature. Retirement suited her well and nothing brought her more joy than her daughter and grandchildren. They were her everything, her whole world. Lori was rough and tough with a heart of gold.

Lori Is survived by her beloved daughter, Katelyn (Travis) Flatoff; cherished grandchildren: Eli and Orlen Flatoff; sisters: Patty Vollbrecht, Cheryl (John) Krueger, Lisa Haferbecker; nephews and nieces: Eric (Kelly) Lund, Steven (Janelle) Lund, Erica Mohaugen, Belle (Jon) Leonard, Jessi (fiancé, Lucas Kirsh) Krueger, Samantha (Justin) Jatczak; and significant other: Scott Newling. She was preceded in death by her parents Orlen and Betty Vollbrecht, brother, Danny Vollbrecht; sister, Jan Gilbertson; infant brothers: Gary and Todd Vollbrecht; and brother-in-law, David Haferbecker.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 pm on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond Street, Appleton. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday from 3:00 pm until the time of service. To honor Lori please wear your tie-dye or leather or both!

“Peace Baby, Lovey Dove!”

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