John Hanson

John Hanson, age 48, of Hersey, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully last night, January 16, at United Hospital in St Paul surrounded by his family.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 1, at the Wilson Legion Post 330, with visitation from 1:00-5:00pm

John (Flash) Allen Hanson, age 48, was born on April 12, 1977, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to Mary and Bill Hanson. He grew up in Baldwin, Wisconsin, with his parents and his two brothers, Bryan and Mike.

Growing up, John loved being outdoors and spending time with family. Some of his favorite memories were camping at Apple River in the family's pull-behind trailer, hanging out at Uncle Bob and Cheryl's cabin, and visiting Bob and Betty's cabin. Like most kids, John spent his days playing in the woods with his brothers and friends and heading down to the creek-"crick and back," as they called it.

John graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School in 1996.  Even though school wasn't really John's thing he got through it and enjoyed spending time with his high school friends.  During and after high school, John worked at Newton's Hillside Dairy, where he made lifelong friendships. Throughout his adult life, he worked a variety of jobs, including with Pax Building Services, which suited him well since he loved working with his hands and taking on different tasks. He also worked for a time at Advanced Dairies and picked up various seasonal jobs along the way.

One of John's most meaningful roles was managing the Wilson Legion Post 330, where he worked for many years and built strong relationships within the community. In his later years, he continued helping out friends and neighbors with odds-and-ends jobs, always willing to lend a hand.

John loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting out west, fishing including trips to Lake Michigan, ATVing, and snowmobiling. He was a member of the Knapp Valley Riders Snowmobile Club for several years. He loved the challenge of fixing just about anything and could often be found tinkering on woodworking projects in his shed or at his cousin Jay's place. His friends meant a great deal to him, and he truly enjoyed being around people.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Hanson; his grandparents, Joyce and Rita Reinertson, and Carl and Lucy Hanson; and other aunts and uncles. He is survived by his father, Bill (Barb) Hanson; his brother, Bryan (Staci) Hanson, and their children Tyler, Nicole (and her children Evie and Ellie), and Alyssa (and her child Callahan); and his brother, Mike (Erica) Hanson, and their children Katelyn and Brady. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

John will be remembered for his big heart, his willingness to help others, his beloved dog Tasha,  and the many friendships he made throughout his life. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 1, at the Wilson Legion Post 330, with visitation from 1:00-5:00pm

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to John's neighbors and good friends. Those friendships meant the world to him, and their kindness will always be remembered.

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