Nancy J. Hanson

Nancy Joan Hanson, 75, of Onalaska, passed away peacefully at home on Thurs., Oct. 22nd, 2015. She was born on Aug. 31, 1940, in Winona, MN, to the late Merle and Virgene Barton. On June 25, 1960 she married Curtis Hanson at the First Presbyterian Church in La Crosse.

She worked for many years as a medical secretary at Gundersen Clinic in La Crosse until she began providing childcare in her home for many friends and neighbors. Each and every child she cared for developed a special bond and remained long term friends throughout their lifetimes. More often than not, she cared for those children’s children.

She was a very dedicated member of 62 years of First Presbyterian Church of La Crosse. She was a member and former treasurer of both Church Women United and Presbyterian Women. She was also part of the Morning Circle, on the planning committee for 3MF, involved with various fundraisers, and organized the Sunday Brunch Bunch with Larry Fromader and John Byers. Nancy taught Sunday School and helped in the church kitchen during events. She rarely missed a service.

Nancy was a cancer survivor and faced her battle with great strength. No matter what life dealt her she was always there for others in need of her generous friendship.

Together, she and Curt enjoyed bowling, square dancing, camping and traveling out west – especially the Rocky Mountains. Also, their passion for gardening together produced the most amazing vegetables and flowers that they loved to share. Nancy had a gift for baking, canning and caring for houseplants.

Nancy was a Packer fan like no other. She recorded every game, clipped every article and listened to every game on her radio while she watched the TV. She never missed a Badger, Packer or Brewer game.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Curtis Hanson; two brothers, Tom (Betty) Barton and George (Ruth) Barton and two sisters, Carol (Tom) Baumer and Janet (Tom) Christianson, many nieces and nephews, and special friends Mark, Kathy & Emma Viner. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Merle Barton, and nephew Steven Barton.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 PM Friday, October 30th at First Presbyterian Church, 233 West Ave. S. La Crosse with Rev. Dr. J. Taylor Haley officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 4-6:30 PM; and again on Friday from 1:00 PM until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Presbyterian Women of First Presbyterian Church, La Crosse, Wisconsin.