Kim Bankes Obituary
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On September 26, 1981, Kim was united in marriage with Gloria Swiggum at South West Prairie Lutheran Church in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Four children were born from this union. From 1991 to 2023, Kim was employed at Nelson Hardwood Lumber in Prairie du Chien. He enjoyed camping, fishing, deer hunting, attending tractor shows, and playing his harmonica. He was known for his love of trains, Jeeps, and telling "true" stories. Kim's greatest joy was playing games and cracking jokes with his grandchildren.
Surviving Kim are his wife, Gloria Bankes of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; children, Terra Ruehmann, Brian Bankes, Ashley (Nate) Gilliland and Desirae (Paul) Fiddler; fifteen grandchildren; mother, Darlene Bankes; and his siblings, Marcia Crowley, Terry (Vicki) Bankes, Carolyn (Brian) Austin, Nancy (Monte) White, and Jody (Val) Bankes.
Preceding Kim in death was his father, Keith Bankes; brother, Dale Bankes; grandchildren, Kendra Jerrett and Conway Jerrett; nephew, Jordan Bankes; and brother-in-law, Terry Crowley.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at South West Prairie Lutheran Church in Viroqua, Wisconsin with Pastor Helen Johnson as the officiant. An inurnment will follow at the South West Prairie Lutheran Church Cemetery in Viroqua, Wisconsin.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is assisting the family with services.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Candy , Dave & Nova McGinnis
October 18, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Our Deepest Sympathy for your loss. Kim was always so much fun to be around growing up. He made me belly laugh so hard sometimes with his witty Jokes. So sorry we couldn't be there in person.
Much Love, hugs and Prayers for comfort from Your Cousins Candy, Dave & Nova McGinnis
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