Francis D. Hanson

Hanson, Francis D.

Francis “Frank” D. Hanson of La Crosse, WI, died peacefully in his sleep, at home on May 10, 2015, after a long battle with cancer.

Francis was born to Hazel (Brenno) and Leonard Hanson on November 30, 1929 and they resided in the Lanesboro area. He married the love of his life, Darlene Johnson, in Chatfield MN, on October 9, 1951 and they shared 63½ years of marriage. He entered the Army on October 13, 1951 and was stationed in Seoul, South Korea, serving with the 91^st Engineering Water Supply Company as a water truck driver. Francis earned a Bronze Star, a Korean Service Medal and a United Nations Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on February 21, 1953.

Francis was a proud Veteran of the Korean War and felt privileged to participate in the Freedom Flight to Washington DC in 2012. He also was a lifelong member of the American Legion.

Francis loved music and played the guitar and sang throughout his life. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to sing with him whenever he played. He loved vacations, camping, fishing and just spending time with his family, teaching his grandchildren whenever he could. Francis had a full-hearted laugh that just made you want to join in. He worked for Crane and Ordway Supply Company in both Mankato MN and La Crosse WI. He was the Heating Cooling Specialist at WA Roosevelt Supply Company of La Crosse and retired in 1994.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene; his children, Terry (Sharon) Hanson and Laurie (Paul) Zoellner, both of La Crosse, WI, and Lynn (Tom) Halderson of Galesville, WI. Grandchildren; Paul (Nikki) Hanson of La Crosse, WI, Suzi Zoellner of Englewood, CO, Joe Zoellner (Becky Herrmann) of La Crosse WI, Russ and Ryan Zoellner of Madison WI, Kayla and Tom Halderson of Galesville WI. Francis is also survived by Great–Granddaughters; Shelby Hanson and Sydney Hanson, three Step-Grandchildren and eight Step Great- Grandchildren. He is survived by a sister; Margie (Gerald) Parker of Lanesboro, MN, and brothers; Richard Hanson of Madison Lake, MN , Duane Hanson of Corpus Christi, TX, Darrell Hanson of Midwest City, OK and Steve Hanson of Pine Island, MN and brother in law; Donald Cummings of Rochester, MN, and sister-in-law; Muriel Hanson of Preston, MN, plus numerous special nieces and nephews: and his little Yorkie, Benji.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother; Robert “Bob” Hanson, sister; Yvonne (Hanson) Cummings; sisters in law; Mona Hanson and Pat Hanson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday May 14, 2015, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 21 N. Hill Street, La Crescent, MN. Rev. Kent Johnson and Rev. Duane Baardseth will co-celebrate. Friends and Family may call from 4 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday May 13, 2015, at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes, 1501 West Ave. So., La Crosse, WI, and from 10:00 AM until the time of the Service at Church on Thursday. Burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse, WI with Military Rites by the Roy L. Vingers Post No. 52.