Melvin "Mel" Earl Hanson

Melvin E. “Mel” Hanson, 80 of La Crosse and formerly of Red Mound, Wis., died on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at his home. He was born in rural Vernon County on August 1, 1937 to John and Irene (Hunter) Hanson. Melvin married Eileen (Fjelstad), daughter of Clifford and Vernie Fjelstad, on August 23, 1958 at the Southwest Prairie Lutheran Church.

He was baptized in Viroqua and confirmed at West Prairie Hauge Lutheran Church. He was a graduate of De Soto High School in 1955.

Melvin began working for the Red Mound Cheese Factory in 1954, hauling canned milk and bulk milk. He managed the cheese factory from 1974-1978. From 1978-1993, he worked for Safeway Cheese in La Crosse, moving his family to La Crosse in 1979. In 1993, he retired after suffering a brain aneurysm. Melvin and Eileen were members of Hauge Lutheran Church until 1981 when they joined Bethel Lutheran Church.

Melvin loved his family, the Packers, telling just one more joke, puzzles, good food, and conversation. He was known as “the keychain guy from the northside” and “the northside mayor”. Also dear to him was his church family and special friend and pew partner Jan Anderson.

He is survived by his children Michael (Lynn) Hanson, Curtis (Roxanne) Hanson, Shelby, Bryan, and Kevin Hanson. Grandchildren Dana Hanson (Cameron), Darcy (Kenk) Yang, Stacey Hanson, Jayme Hanson (Blake), Billie (Doug) Caley, Dean Hanson, Amy Hanson, and Emily Hanson, and Peter Peterson. Great-grandchildren Isabella, Layla, Hannah, Cameron, Evangelina, Kailee, Aniyah, Bob, and Adam, as well as many nieces and nephews. Sisters-in-law Arlene (Gordon) Hanson and Lois (Clayton) Hanson, Janet (Frank) Neumann, Elaine (David) Hofslein. Brothers-in-law Carold (Andrea) Fjelstad, Larry (Carol) Fjelstad, Dan (Julie) Fjelstad, and John Thompson (Linda).

He is preceded in death by his wife Eileen (Fjelstad) Hanson, his parents John (Irene Hunter) Hanson, in-laws Clifford and Vernie (McEntee) Fjelstad, two brothers Gordon (Arlene) and Clayton (Lois) Hanson, sisters-in-law Beverly (Fjelstad) Shilling and Linda (Fjelstad) Thompson (John), brothers-in-law Bill Shilling and Thomas Fjelstad.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Bethel Lutheran church; 1931 Loomis St., La Crosse Wis. Pastor Anne Hokenstad will officiate. Burial at 2pm will follow in Walnut Mound Cemetery, Retreat, Wis. Friends may call on the family Monday morning at the church from 10am until the time of services.

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