Gordon Lee Hanks

Gordon Hanks, 73 of Mitchell, SD, died Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Edgewood Memory Care. No services are scheduled at this time. Burial will take place at a later date in the Underwood Cemetery at rural White Lake, SD.

Gordon Lee Hanks was born at Wessington Springs, SD, on February 11, 1952, to John and Eileen Sterrett Hanks. Gordon grew up and attended grade school in the Crow Lake area. He graduated from White Lake High School, where he was active in many activities, including being nominated for Boys State and being crowned Homecoming King.

Gordon attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, receiving a teaching degree, and was student manager for many of their sports activities. He taught school for one year and then attended Presentation College, where he received a nursing degree.

He became a traveling nurse working in hospital ICUs and ERs. He worked in Boise, ID, Denver, CO, Livingston, TX, and Phoenix, AZ. Gordon made many friends along the way, including Phillip, who was like a brother. He also maintained contact with his two stepchildren, Eric and Christy.

Gordon returned to Mitchell, SD, to be near family in the spring of 2022 due to failing health.

Gordon is survived by his mother, Eileen Hanks of Mitchell; brothers, Mick (Kathy) of Mitchell, Wayne of White Lake, and Eric (Carol) of Mitchell; sister, Deb Knight of Rice, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, John, brother, Lyle, and sister-in-law, Roberta.

A special thank you from Gordon's family to Edgewood Memory Care, to businesses that provided financial services, Subway, Casey's, and to Kim at First Interstate Bank.

Memorials for Gordon may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.