Marie Hanke-Scarcello

Marie S. Hnake-Scarcello, age 87 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Des Moines and Ankeny, IA, was unexpectedly but peacefully promoted in to glory on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at her home in Park Rapids.
Marie was born on August 19, 1921 in Fairmont, MN to Corbett and Alida (Cassem) Cottrall. She spent her early childhood years in southern MN until her parents moved to Des Moines, IA. It was in the Des Moines are where she spent much of her childhood growing up on the city’s east side. Later her family moved to Idaho where they farmed and picked fruit in the Mountains along the famed Snake River country. Many of her childhood memories include playing in or near the wild Snake River. As a young woman she returned to Des Moines where she worked at Younkers Department Store as an elevator operator. In January of 1944, Marie was united in marriage to Earl R. Hanke. This union was blessed with four children: Barbara, Steven, Christopher and Ted. The young couple made their home in Des Moines where Marie dedicated herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. She was as wonderful cook and baker who will long be remembered for her delicious homemade chop suey, spaghetti, roast beef and potatoes and on the sweet side-her delicious key lime pies, cheese cake and homemade fudge. Every summer the Hanke family traveled to their cabin on Little Sand lake northeast of Park Rapids where she spent most of her birthdays making family hand-cranked ice cream without the comforts of electricity or plumbing. After her children were older, Marie started working as a proof reader for the Dial Finance Company and the Deluxe Check Company in Des Moines. Her life was forever saddened by the death of her husband in May of 1975. She took over the family business as a Territorial owner and operator of Dairy Queen Franchises. Later, she successfully negotiated the sale of her franchise business with Dairy Queen International in a display of natural business acumen that far exceeded the experience of a devoted homemaker. Her life was all about her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite sayings was, “The magic word is “MOM”. Her main hobby was housekeeping and she took a great deal of pride in caring for her home and family. She was gifted at remodeling and interior design. She was also gifted artistically and enjoyed painting. She became quite adept at purchasing, restoring and reselling all types of household furniture. In the late 1950’s she taught herself how to drive, using a 1947 Chevy with a vacuum shift transmission out on buffalo road. Once she obtained her drivers license, she fought to retain it right up to this last August. She was united in marriage to John P. Scarcello on October 31, 1980. They enjoyed traveling together throughout the United Sates in the mini-motor home. Those who knew her best always got a smile on their face, when during her retirement years; she spoke of how much she loved to go to “work” (the casino or bingo). For many years, Marie was a member of the Plymouth congregational Church. After her marriage to John, Marie began attending the All Saints Catholic Church also in Des Moines. Marie was a devout Democrat who was very proud of a letter she received from President Bill Clinton. She maintained her status as a loyal supporter of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Christian Children’s fund. About all, Marie devoted her life to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and siblings who she loved with all her heart.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children; Barbara (Gary) Riggs of Akeley, MN, Steven (Sharon) Hanke of Park Rapids, MN, Christopher Hanke of Nevis, MN and Ted (Connie) Hanke of Cumming, IA; ten grandchildren, Dan Riggs of Otsego, MN, Laura Sartain of Evan, GA and Steven Riggs of Foley, MN, Steven Hanke of Hugo, MN, Samantha Weiss of Two Inlets, MN, Stacy Martin of Baxter, MN and Suzanne Kieselbach of Pequot Lakes, MN, Shawn Ha

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