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Frederick Hankwitz Obituary

Hankwitz, Frederick Paul

Frederick Paul Hankwitz passed on July 30, 2014, age 74 years. He was the eldest son of Dr. Arthur and Ione (Campbell) Hankwitz. Survived by his wife, Carol Ann (Kaufer), daughter, Karin Ann and grandson, Christopher. Also survived by his siblings, Carl A, and Elise (Doss), John E. and Barbara (Blakey), Helen C., A. Walter and Eileen (Anaya) and Dr. Paul E. and Jo Ann (Berenz), and best friend Lisa Gibson.

Born and raised in Milwaukee's Bay View, Frederick was active in the community and a Junior member, Senior member and eventually Life Member of the South Shore Yacht Club, which his Grandfather John Campbell and several other relatives organized in 1912. His experiences as a youngster, sailing and working as Dock Master and Tender Operator honed his skills that would become important in later life.

He graduated from Bay View High School and then the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a degree in Applied Engineering, then worked as a buyer for the Wisconsin Electric Power Company. During this time he followed his mother and father's interest as pilots, and learned to fly. In December of 1967, he was hired as a pilot by United Airlines and retired with the rank of Captain.

He married Carol Ann Kaufer in Reno, Nevada, in December of 1969. He was offered a position as a flight instructor at the United Airlines Flight Training Center in Denver, and eventually became the Manager of Flight Training of the Boeing B-737 passenger aircraft.

After building a home in Gill's Rock, Wisconsin, Door County, the family moved there in the 1980's.

Fred worked for United Airlines for 33 years, finally retiring in March of 2000 at the age 60, the mandatory retirement age for pilots at that time.

His background could not keep him away from the water. He started working for the Washington Island Ferry and worked and schooled his way up, eventually qualifying for the position of ship's Captain. During this time he also assisted in creating and implementing the U.S. Coast Guard mandated CRM (Crew Resource Management) course for the company.

In later life he decided to follow another acquired talent with tasting food, and he qualified as a KCBS-Certified Judge. He started judging Barbecue competitions held in various locations around the country.

In 2013, Fred and Lisa Gibson were instrumental in organizing the Death's Door Barbecue on Washington Island, WI, a KCBS-Sanctioned Competition with $7,500 in prize money. It is now becoming an annual event.

Fred's grandson Christopher J. Hankwitz was born in May, 2014.

Memorial celebrations will be held in Milwaukee on August 17th at South Shore Yacht Club from 3-5 PM and on Washington Island, August 24th at the Washington Island Airport from 1-3 PM. Fred will be greatly missed by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations are recommended to Milwaukee's South Shore Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program.

Published by Door County Advocate on Aug. 9, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

I saw and visited with Fred 5 days a week for 4 years in home room 411 at Bay View High School. Many years later we e mailed each other and renewed our friendship. I am truly sorry to hear of Fred's death and offer deep sympathy to his family members. I will remember Fred with great fondness.

Judith Haack Ryan

August 10, 2014

Carl Hankwitz

August 10, 2014

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Memorial Events
for Frederick Hankwitz

Aug

17

Celebration of Life

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

South Shore Yacht Club

WI

Aug

24

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Washington Island Airport

WI

Funeral services provided by:

Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Home - South Suburban Chapel

6080 South 27th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53221

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