Henry James “Hank” Risner, 91, of Medaryville, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
He passed away peacefully with his family by his side at IU Health White Memorial Hospital in Monticello, IN. Hank was born on September 18, 1933 in North Judson, IN to the late Fred and Dora [Jackson] Risner. At the age of 17, he began a short-lived career in road construction. He graduated from Medaryville High School in 1951.
Hank married Alvina Mae Hunter on October 16, 1954 at St. John’s Church. Together, they owned and operated Hank’s Standard Service Station and Wrecker Service in Medaryville for over 30 years. They also ran Hanks Melons and Granny’s Attic for many years. Many in the area will remember Hank as their school bus driver. For nearly 30 years, he drove for Medaryville High School and later for West Central High School. Hank and Alvina were part of the first EMT’s to serve Pulaski County – stationed at the firehouse in Medaryville. They shared a wonderful life together which included great friends and many memories made serving customers. Their interests included dancing (polka and square), fishing, and antiquing as well as playing cards and dominos. Alvina passed away on December 6, 2019.
From 1955-57, Hank served in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Totten in New York. After receiving an honorable discharge at Fort Hamilton in New York, he completed his military obligation - serving six years in the US Army Reserves. He was a proud member of the Medaryville American Legion Post #96.
Hank was a lifelong member of St. John’s Church in Medaryville. In recent years, he attended the Medaryville Assembly of God Church. Hank was a 50 year member of the Medaryville Fire Department, having served three decades as Fire Chief. He was also a member of the Indiana Volunteer Fireman’s Association and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department Merit Board. Hank loved his family very much and always worked hard to provide for them. He was a beloved member of the Medaryville Community who will be dearly missed.
He is survived by:
Gale (wife: Deb) Risner, Lafayette, IN Son
Dennis (wife: Theresa) Risner, Francesville, IN Son
Nancy (husband: Bud) Blackburn, Idaville, IN Daughter
John (fiancé: Angie Casey) Risner, Lafayette, IN Son
Peggy (husband: Darren) Godsey, Williams, IN Daughter
Randy Risner, Grandson
Angie (husband: Billie) Pattengale, Granddaughter
April (husband: Jason) Pattee, Granddaughter
Heather (husband: Brett) Ricketts, Granddaughter
Amanda (husband: Joshua) Rinehart, Granddaughter
Andrea (husband: Joshua) Richmond, Granddaughter
Danielle Blackburn, Granddaughter
Jacob Blackburn, Grandson
Madison (fiancé: Brandon Yeagy) Risner, Granddaughter
Clay Risner, Grandson
Lynnsie (husband: Pat) Greene, Granddaughter
Danae Godsey, Granddaughter
Cori (husband: Kyle) Hall, Granddaughter
Terry (wife: Bethany) Godsey, Grandson
Casi Bower, Granddaughter
20 Great-Grandchildren
2 Great Great-Grandchildren
Norma Jean Clark, Argos, IN Sister
Marlene Risner, Goodland, IN Sister-in-law
Martha Sue Risner, North Judson, IN Sister-in-law
Luella (husband: Edward) Bartman, Crawfordsville, IN Sister-in-law
Numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins
Preceded in death by:
Fred and Dora [Jackson] Risner, Parents
Alvina Mae [Hunter] Risner, Wife
Edward Risner, Brother
Ralph Risner, Brother
Earl Clark, Brother-in-law
Visitation will be from 4-8 PM EDT Monday, July 7, 2025 at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville, IN. An IVFA Memorial Ceremony will be held at 7:30 PM EDT Monday night at the funeral home.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM EDT Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the Medaryville Assembly of God Church with Pastor Tom Dewlen officiating.
Burial will take place at St. John’s Cemetery in Medaryville. The American Legion will conduct Military Graveside Services.
Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John’s Cemetery or Medaryville Assembly of God Church or Medaryville White Post Township Fire Department or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Medaryville, IN.
