Sunday, January 19, 2025
John D. Hanson, age 94, of Plover, WI, passed away peacefully after a courageous 4-year battle with cancer on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the House of the Dove by Compassus in Marshfield, WI. He was born on November 4, 1930, in Bloomer, WI, to the late John "Jack" W. and Donna V. (Devereaux) Hanson.
John proudly served in the United States Army from November 11, 1950, until his honorable discharge on November 1, 1956, having served during the Korean War. On September 11, 1954, he married the love of his life, Joyce E. Danielson, in Waupaca, WI. Together, they shared 60 years of marriage before Joyce’s passing on February 15, 2015.
After completing his military service, John worked as an installer and repairman for the Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company, retiring in 1985. He was recognized for installing the first touch-tone telephone in the mayor’s office in Stevens Point, WI—a milestone that earned him a feature article in the local newspaper. His career sparked a lifelong interest in collecting telephones, a hobby that brought him joy for many years. After his retirement from the phone company, John continued to work as a custodian at Midstate Technical College in Stevens Point. Throughout his working career, he continued his military service by serving with the 410th Signal Co. Army Reserve in Junction City, WI for many years.
John was a proud veteran who was deeply honored to participate in two memorable trips later in life. In November 2014, he traveled on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to the veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War. In October 2022, via son David’s affiliation with the Korean Defense Veterans Association (KDVA) through his prior service in Korea, John traveled with his son and grandson to Korea, making it a three generation Army veteran journey. John was the only Korean War veteran on this historic trip.
Outside of his military and professional life, John took great pride in caring for his lawn, painting, and sharing his favorite fruit Life Savers with family and friends. John was a member of the Plover VFW Post #10262, the American Legion Post #543, and the DAV. After his 2020 cancer diagnosis his children rallied around him. They made sure he was comfortable and well-fed through the tasty meals his daughter, Holly, prepared for him, and his son, Tom, helped take care of home maintenance and lawn work. John was known for his kindness, his love of storytelling, and the deep connection he had with his family. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends. His legacy of service, love, and dedication will continue to inspire those who knew him.
John is survived by his three children: David (Peggy) Hanson of Stevens Point, Thomas (Sharon) Hanson of Waupaca, and Holly Morgan of Plover; seven grandchildren: Nicholas (Lacey) Hanson of Tulsa, OK, Austin (Shannon K.) Hanson of Stevens Point, Amanda (John N.) Hanson of Stevens Point, William Hanson of Madison, Dustin (Holly E.-K.) Karcheski of Plover, Dylan Karcheski of Plover, and Dayne (Savannah P.) Karcheski of Wisconsin Rapids; as well as eight great-grandchildren: Grey, Barrett, and Hazel Hanson; Sam Hanson; Arden Etlicher-Karcheski and Lillian Etlicher-Karcheski; and Everett and Owen Karcheski. He is also survived by his brother, Larry (Lil) Hanson of Stevens Point; two sisters-in-law, Carmen Hanson of Beaver Dam and Sharon Martin of Appleton; brother-in-law, Steven (Carolyn) Danielson of Waupaca; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Joyce; his brother, Robert Hanson; his sister, Donna (Walter) Radley; a sister-in-law, Carol Schreiner; and a brother-in-law, Charles Martin.
The family would like to extend thanks to the VA, Compassus, Synergy, and the hospice workers for their assistance and care.
A Funeral Service honoring John will be on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, WI. Pastor Scott Wolfram from Divine Word Lutheran Church in Plover will officiate. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Following the service, burial will take place at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI, where full military honors will be performed. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in John’s memory to a veterans’ charity or organization of your choice. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
