Tracy Hanson

Tracy Lee Hanson, 77, of Onalaska passed away July 1, 2016, at the Onalaska Care Center of pulmonary disease.

He was born on July 9, 1938, in La Crosse to Tim and Alma (Koenig) Hanson. He graduated from De Soto High School in 1956 and then served in the US Naval Air for three years. He graduated with his undergraduate degree from UW–La Crosse in 1963 and went on to earn a master’s degree from UW-Whitewater. He worked as a school business manager in five school districts, then later in sales, including Kickapoo Homes in Viroqua.

He married Marion Lorenz on February 23, 1963, and they were married 53 years. In 1991 they built their home in Chipmunk Coulee and lived there until 2013. Tracy’s children and grandchildren brought him much joy.

Tracy was a strong advocate of public education, evident in his time spent as a school business manager and a member of the Sparta Board of Education. In his later years, he continued to support his son and daughter in their careers as educators, staying current with educational issues. Always a critical thinker and avid reader, he enjoyed conversation of all sorts regarding the news and politics. People appreciated his opinions about the world.

He is survived by his wife, Marion; his children, Andrea Kramer of Onalaska, Julia Hanson of Oconomowoc, and Timothy Hanson of La Crosse; his grandchildren, Logan Kramer, Landon Kramer, Makiah Zeznanski, Helene Zeznanski, Connor Zeznanski, and Alya Hanson.

He is also survived by his brother, Joe (Susan) Hanson of Trego, Wis.; sister, Nancy Brosinski of Stoddard; brothers-in-law, Alan (Linda) Lorenz of La Crosse and Jerry (Diane Botcher) Doll of La Crosse; sister-in-law, Irene (Wayne) Peters of Chaseburg; and special friends Bob Evans and Jim Hanesworth, both of La Crosse.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert; his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Eva Lorenz; and his sister-in-law, Linda Doll.

Visitation will be at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, July 14, at the Onalaska United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Park Hunter officiating. A reception will be held in the church after the service. A private family burial will take place at the Chipmunk Coulee Cemetery in Chipmunk Coulee.

The family would like to especially thank the staff of the Gundersen Hospice and Onalaska Care Center for their compassionate care and all those who offered their thoughts and prayers.