Roger O. Hanson

Roger O. Hanson, 89 of Onalaska, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. He was born July 26, 1935, in Kenosha, WI to Sebert and Mary (Aney) Hanson. As a child his family moved to La Crosse where he met Melva Secor and they were married on January 14, 1956, at Wesley United Methodist Church in La Crosse. She preceded him in death on October 22, 2020.

Roger had worked with his father in La Crosse in the furnace repair business until he went to work for National Auto Wrecking as an operating engineer for over 35 years, finally retiring at the age of 72 from Alter Metal Recycling. 

On most weekends he and Melva would enjoy rides through the Amish countryside.

Roger is survived by three sons, Larry Hanson of La Crosse, Steve (Jean) Hanson of Mesa, AZ and Ted Hanson of Boise, ID; a daughter, Darla Chester of La Crosse; a brother, Elmer Hanson of Minneapolis; six grandchildren, Jessica (Christopher) Brannam, Hans Needaham, Mark Chester, Brian Hanson, Kimberly Chester and Chris Chester; three great-grandchildren, Jayden, Justice and Jamara Hanson along with a great-great-grandson, Zamir LeSane-Hanson.

In addition to his wife Melva, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Herbert Hanson; three sisters, Muriel Hinkley, Bernadine Kenyon and Dolores Hanson-Clark, along with a granddaughter, Amanda Hanson.

In following Roger’s wishes, a private family burial will take place in the Onalaska City Cemetery.