Henry Lee “Hank” Herkstroeter, 72, of Laramie, passed away after a lengthy battle with his health on Sunday, January 12th, 2025. He was born January 21st in Sheridan, Wyoming to Karl E. and Ethel M. (Kirkhart) Herkstroeter. He is preceded in death by his parents, aunts, and uncles. He is survived by his loving wife LuAnn (Stribling), daughter Lindsay, his older brother Ron, and younger sister Carole Herkstroeter.
As a young man he loved rodeo, dancing, and playing the drums for different bands throughout Wyoming and Colorado. When he wasn’t driving a big rig, he was out on his horse with friends and family moving cattle, team roping, or helping at a branding. Hank loved to tell funny stories and was always up for a beer with friends or a spin around the dance floor with his favorite dance partner, LuAnn. He was also a good carpenter, and in his younger days, he helped his uncle build houses and assisted friends with remodel or repair jobs. Although health issues prevented him from participating in many of his favorite activities toward the end of his life, his love for rodeo, riding, roping, and ranch life continued. Hank was a big man with an even bigger heart and a booming laugh that brought joy to all who knew him, and he never met a stranger. He utilized his big voice and laugh announcing at many barrel races and was a favorite announcer at the Moen 4th of July team ropings, always joking with and teasing the participants. Hank was the kind of friend who was always there to help wherever and whenever he could. He was generous with his horses, his tractor, his time, and his big bear hugs.
Please honor Hank by sharing your favorite memories of him in the comments.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Laramie Eagles Club, 126 East Lyon St, Laramie, WY on February 22nd beginning at 1 PM and will end when all the stories have been told, tears shed, and love shared.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Hank’s name to the Laramie High School Rodeo Club so that younger generations can share in his love of all things rodeo:
Laramie High School Rodeo Club, PO Box 364, Laramie, WY 82073
Great men inspire great moments and greater memories. Hank was a true GOAT. There are so many memories I have of him over the years, but some of my favorites are: At turn-and-burn, he always pronounced my last name correctly. To date, he is the only announcer to do so. I had a buckskin that was very difficult to doctor...until Hank had a chat with him. When I lost that buckskin, Hank was there for me the whole way. And he let me ride Willy! When I almost backed out of a blind date, Hank is the one who talked me through it. He helped me pick out my outfit and talked me all the way to the bowling alley. When I married that date years later, Hank, LuAnne, and Lindsay drove all the way to California to be there at the most important moment of my life. Hank was more there for me than my own father and will always hold a very special place in my heart. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Happy Trails, Hankers 💜💜💜
Lindsay I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and sending hugs
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayer's
Our deepest sympathy to you all at this time. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to my friend Lindsay and her mom. I know loosing a loved one is never easy. May you all somehow find peace that Hank is no longer suffering. He will truly be missed by the ones he has impacted his entire life here on earth! God really did gain a great angel!!
So sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
Sending our warmest condolences, Luann and Linds. Hank was a big teddy bear. Much love, Deryl and Sue Woirhaye and families
Lindsey - much sympathy in the passing of your father. Kim McConahay
Deepest Sympathy to you LuAnn, and Lindsey. Your loss, is heaven gaining an Angel. Thinking of of you and wishing you comfort.
I met Hank and LuAnn in Colorado Springs. So many good memories..but one always stands out. Hank whirling myself and another friend (yes, two ladies) around the dance floor to “I Got Friends in Low Places”. He had a warm soul…and will be greatly missed.
Prayers for my cousin and for my 2nd cousin.
Henry or Hank as many called him was my cousin. I have fond memories of him in childhood. Although 12 years older than myself, there were time when I was little he would spend time with me, don't know if he got roped into it as a babysitter or not.lol. I remember uncle everett had a bull bison at rainbow valley lodge, and there were times when Henry and I would tease that bull to distraction and grandpa kirkhart come out of his cabin with his one eye and scream as is . Henry taught me to rope a steer, something I haven't don't since highschool, he played the drums for family gatherings, beat the hell out of those things, and dance, he was the smoothest dancer, being a big man you wouldn't believe how he could glide on the dance floor. We come from great stock, the Kirkharts. Last time I saw henry was about Fi years ago when I came back to Laramie, he hadn't changed a bit, still a big man, happy and full of joy. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Hanks passing. Met him many years ago when he came with him mom and Harry & Everett Kirkart. The all came in and had a good family get together. He definitely was one of the good guys! Very hard worker and honest! Condolences to Luann and the family. May The Lord give you comfort and peace during this very sad time!
Heaven got a good guy! Hank was a kind and helpful friend. He was had a good story! I will miss him.
Luann! I had no idea! Please know my heart and prayers go out to you and Lindsey! I always enjoyed being around Hank- he was so comfortable being himself! I know this leaves a big hole in your hearts and in your family! May God walk closely with you on this journey ahead! Love and hugs to you!
Oh no, just found out that Hank has passed away. Dru and I adored him. Someone else said it, but, we are saying it again....Hank was one of the good guys! Our deepest condolences....RIP Hank
My sincere condolences. Hank was one of the good guys. I always enjoyed seeing him at various team ropings.
Dearest Luann, sending love and hugs for your great loss. - Cindy Garnich
Hank was a kind soul. RIP Hank. You will be missed.