Joseph M. Hanks passed away peacefully at home at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife, Diane, and his sisters, Sheila Hanks and Mary Hanks-Warner. He was predeceased by his brother, George, and his sister, Brigid.

Joe served as a radio operator and photographer in Vietnam in the U.S. Army, B company, 3/506 101st Airborne Division. He followed his passion studying and working in photography.

Through his work he met Diane and they married in 1980. Together they shared a love of the outdoors. Joe as an amateur astronomer, camper, canoeist, and sailor. Always recording their experiences in his beautiful pictures.

Joe was very curious about the world. From nature to astronomy to how things worked. He was a wonderful woodworker, avid reader, liked math jokes, he sang in groups, loved music from classical to barbershop, worked on renovating a home built in 1924 by reading how to books, and is renowned for the "Cranberry", a canoe he built while at Arts & Crafts. It weighed over 80 pounds and carried seven of his family at one time!

Everyone liked Joe, he was a good listener, wasn't boastful and liked to share. Joe looked forward to lunch with the guys and going out with other couples. He enjoyed having friends and family over for a visit and a meal.

In 2015, Joe donated his body to U of M Anatomical Donation Program. When it was learned they had a brain bank for research, a decision was made to donate his brain to assist with dementia research. I know that Joe would have supported this choice and be glad he could be of help to those with curious minds like his.

Love You Joe

No formal services will be held.

Donations in Joe's memory are appreciated to the Wounded Warrior Project ( https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ )