Howard M. Hanson

Howard M. Hanson, 80, of Viroqua, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 18, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI.

He was born on February 18, 1944, to Henry and Myra (Bergh) Hanson in Viroqua, WI. Howard attended Plainview School through 8th grade and then graduated from Viroqua High School in 1962. He married Linda Davidson in 1967, then later married Ethel (Parr) Wallace in 2006. After graduating high school he served in the National Guard. He then attended WWTC in La Crosse for the Tool and Die Program between 1963 and 1965. After finishing that program, he worked at Caterpillar in Joliet, IL, Pepsi in Viroqua, WI. He then served as a police officer in Viroqua, WI. In the early 1970’s, he took over the family farm in rural Viroqua. After farming he worked maintenance in various locations.

Howard was a very good friend to the Living Faith Food Pantry, willing to do any task needed. Howard was a member of the Honor Guard for the Westby American Legion, served on the Chaseburg Creamery Board and the Whey Plant Board in Viroqua.  He loved enjoying coffee with numerous friends. He was an avid coffee hunter. Howard was well connected and respected in the community and was always up for a conversation with friends and acquaintances. Everyone knows Howard had a heart of gold.  

Howard is survived by his wife, Ethel; his daughter, Tammy; his son Kevin (Maricel); his stepchildren: Cristine (Michael), Timothy and Lenora (Dean); grandchildren Nicole and Dominic; stepgrandchildren: Henry (Marina), Parker and Dayo; two sisters, Mary Haas and Susan (David) Humfeld; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is survived by close cousin, John Thompson, and close friend Bruce Ward.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Myra Hanson; brothers: David (Shirley) Hanson, Kenneth (Jo) Hanson; and sister Sara (Larry) McKittrick; and brother-in-law Jerry Haas.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church of rural Viroqua with military rites by United States Army Honor Team, VFW Post #8021, and Viroqua Police Department and Vernon County Sheriff's Office Honor Guards. A visitation will be at 1:00 until time of service. Pastor Diane Martin will officiate.  Burial will take place in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery following the service.

We would like to thank the staff at Vernon Memorial Healthcare and at Gundersen Health System of La Crosse for the great care provided to Howard in his final days.

Roth Family Cremation Center is assisting the family.

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