Obituary of Louis Edward Hanisko

Hanisko, Louis Edward Jr. “Lou”

Saginaw, Michigan

Louis “Lou” Edward Hanisko, Jr. age 89, of Saginaw Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at New Hope Valley surrounded by his family.  Lou was born on February 17, 1933, the cherished only son of Louis E. Hanisko, Sr. and Margaret (Supenie) Hanisko of Chicago, Illinois.  

Lou attended St. Mel Elementary and graduated from Fenwick High School in Chicago in 1951.  He attended Illinois Institute of Technology pursuing a business degree.  He proudly served his Country in the Signal Corps of the United States Army, mostly in Japan, attaining the rank of Corporal and was discharged honorably in 1955.

Lou married the love of his life Vera (Ptak) Hanisko on March 9, 1985, who survives him.  They spent many happy years traveling throughout the United States and Europe.  Some of their favorite trips were to Hawaii, Slovakia, Rhine River cruise and others.  They enjoyed vacationing on Higgins Lake and at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor, MI.  They moved to Florida as full time residents enjoying sun, golf and the good life for several years returning to Saginaw in 2019 to be near their families.

Lou spent his entire career in the insurance business starting in Chicago then Detroit and finally in Saginaw.  He built his career at Saginaw Bay Underwriters eventually serving as President and CEO, retiring in 1998.  Lou was active in many community service organizations over the years, including the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce, the Saginaw Club, the Saginaw Catholic Schools and Saginaw Country Club.  He served as United Way of Saginaw County campaign chairman and president of the St. Stephen Area High School board.  In 2000, Saginaw Bay Underwriters established The Louis E. Hanisko Service Award. The award is given annually to a team member whose service has enhanced the reputation of SBU by their efforts in the community, recognizing a team member with the same passion towards the community that Lou shared.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather; he is survived by his wife Vera; his children: Carolyn (Steven) Kuerbitz; Jeanne Hanisko (Terry McCarthy); Michael (Sheila) Hanisko; Lana Hanisko Greenberg; Patricia (Gary) Hall; their mother, Mary O’Neill; grandchildren: Jeff, Dan and Ellen Kuerbitz; Catherine (Ben) Harney; Chloe Hanisko (Jake Hollis); Max McCarthy; Kate (Mike) Luginbill; Joe (Aubrey) Hanisko; Cameron, Jack and Delilah Greenberg; Simon and Ben Hall; great grandchildren Ruth and Grace Luginbill.  Other survivors include step children Karen Koepke (Drew Olsen); Ann (Jeff) Beckman; William (Lisa) Koepke; Paul Koepke; and Marta Koepke (John Stedman); and eight step grandchildren.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Sara and Sandy from The Care Team Home Health and Hospice as well as all the staff at New Hope Valley for their kind and compassionate care to Lou during his final months.

SERVICE: A funeral liturgy for Lou will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at St. Dominic Parish – St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn St., Saginaw, MI 48602. Rev. Fr. Steven M. Gavit will officiate. Private interment will be at Oakwood Mausoleum. 

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) Saginaw, MI 48603. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to the Saginaw Community Foundation or a charity of your choice. The Deisler Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hanisko Family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com