SPARTA- Richard O. Hanson, 89 of rural Sparta, WI, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Tomah Veteran’s Hospital.
Richard was born June 4th, 1935, to Edwin and Agnes (Erickson) Hanson in Halls Valley, near Cashton WI, the youngest of ten children. Richard attended Cashton High School before joining the U.S. Navy. He was active in the Navy from 1953-1956, becoming a gunner’s mate while serving on the USS Newport News during two tours of the Mediterranean Ocean. Near the end of his service, while stationed in Green Cove Springs, Florida, Richard met Donna Raines. Richard and Donna were united in marriage on June 9, 1956, and remained married for 68 years until Richard’s passing. Relocating to Wisconsin together upon their marriage, Richard and Donna soon had three boys, Henry, Mike, and Ron. Richard partnered with his brother Gordy for a time as owners of a service station in Middleton WI, then was an officer in the Sparta Police Department for two years, before becoming sales manager for United Auto Supply in Sparta, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement.
Richard was active in the community for most of his life. He was a lifetime member of the VFW in Cashton, elected to the role of Post Commander multiple times. He was also a lifetime member of The Fraternal Order of Eagles and was elected president of the Sparta WI Eagles Aerie for multiple terms.
During his life Richard pursued a wide variety of hobbies and interests. He loved wildlife, fishing, horses, hunting, dancing, and listening to music. Richard was a gifted natural musician, playing multiple instruments by ear, including violin, mandolin, guitar, accordion, concertina, and several others. His favorite music was bluegrass and country. Restoring cars, pickups, and Allis Chalmers tractors was a passion. Richard loved all things Allis Chalmers and named his driveway Allis Chalmers Road, complete with a custom Allis orange road sign that to this day marks the entrance to the driveway of the home he shared with Donna. Richard hunted deer in Wisconsin annually, joined by his sons beginning when they were teenagers. His brother-in-law William (“Boots”) was a regular deer hunting partner in the early years. Richard took nearly annual trips to hunt deer and elk in Montana - for many years with a group of his friends from the Sparta area, and many more years with Henry, Mike and Ron; nephew Edwin joining some years. Richard loved fishing. He belonged to Black River Bass Masters for many years, competing in local and regional fishing tournaments. Horse and buggy teams were another passion of Richard’s. In retirement he formed a special bond with a matched pair of Shire draft horses. Richard always needed a big project to be working on. One of his last completed projects was a full restoration to like new condition of a vintage manure spreader, of all things.
Richard is survived by his wife Donna of Sparta WI; children Henry of Lake Mills WI, and Ron (Mary) Hanson of Sparta WI; seven grandchildren, Kami (Chad) Ayres, Kristin (Troy) Turner, Kelly (Craig) Erickson, Reid Hanson, Justin (Molly) Hanson, Danielle Hanson, Keni (Tyler) Theisen; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his son Michael, infant granddaughter Kasi, his parents, stepfather Kenneth Johnson, brothers, LaVerne (Lola), Albion (Frieda), Raymond (Edna), Gordon (Lorraine) and sisters Elverda (Otis) Anderson, Vessie (Arnold) Westby, Ivadell (Vernon) Suhr, Junella (Lawrence) Callum and Marlene (William) Waters.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 1:00 p.m. at the Portland Lutheran Church, rural Cashton. Pastor Patrick Ziems will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Family and friends are invited for visitation Monday, October 28, 2024, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation will also be held Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home