Donnel Hanson

DonnelLee Hanson passed away early Saturday morning, November 25th, 2017 at his home in Sheboygan, surrounded by loved ones. He was 80 years old.
Don was born July 29, 1937 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the son of Waldemar and Doris (nee Bergstrom) Hanson. At 17, Don joined the United States Army and proudly served his country from 1953-1957. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 9156 in Sheboygan.
On June 8, 1957 Don was united in marriage with Patricia Federer at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Adell. The two raised their sons in Sheboygan. After over 37 years of marriage, Patricia preceded him in death February 20, 1995. On January 27, 1996 he was united in marriage with Sandy (nee Hirstein) Gaurkee in Sheboygan. The couple moved to Antigo and later Mishicot before returning to Sheboygan in 2013.
From 1958 until his retirement in 1999, Don worked at Kohler company. He was a proud member of Kohler's Quarter Century Club as well as UAW Local 833.
Don had enjoyed building car motors and working on stock cars, as well as playing cribbage and hunting with his sons. He enjoyed tinkering with computers, and could often be found taking apart, skillfully repairing and rebuilding them. He loved to laugh, and will be remembered for his witty replies. Above all, he cherished time shared with those he loved.
Don is survived by his wife Sandy, his sons: Rob (Carol) Hanson of Sheboygan, Mike (Lori) Hanson of Sheboygan Falls, Jerry (Dan Brock) Hanson of Sheboygan and Phillip Hanson of New Holstein, daughter-in-law Heather Hanson, grandchildren: Amanda Keitel, Sara (William) Dietrich, Tiffany (Travis) Christenson and Patrick, Austin and Phillip Hanson and great-grandchildren: Wilhelmina, Jacobina and Graysen. Don is further survived by Sandy's family whom he loved dearly, children: Lisa Radloff of Neenah, Mike (Bobbie) McGrew and Mark McGrew, both of Sheboygan and grandchildren: Tony Russo, Emily and Katie Radloff and Steven and Abby McGrew. He is further survived by his sister-in-law Judith Burns, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and his beloved dog Snoopy.
In addition to his first wife, Don is preceded in death by his infant son Patrick, infant granddaughter Heather Marie and siblings: Betty Chapman, Bruce, Dick and Bud.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 pm on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center, 1201 N. 8th Street in Sheboygan with military honors to follow. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Don will entombed at Holy Cross Cemetery in Sheboygan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested.
The family would like to thank the staff of St. Nicholas Hospice for their compassionate and loving care.