William L. Hanson

MENOMONIE - William L. Hanson, 86, of Menomonie passed away Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, at the American Lutheran Home in Menomonie.

He was born Feb. 19, 1929, in Eau Claire, to Axel and Alice Hanson. He was raised in Lake Hallie and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School.

Following high school William worked at Mason Shoes as an inker for shoe soles.

William met his future wife, Helen Douglas, through pen pal letters while he was stationed in Korea. They were married Aug. 11, 1956, in Winona, Minn., and celebrated 50 years of marriage. William and his wife lived in Eau Claire, and Lake Hallie, before moving to Menomonie in 1968.

William worked at the paper mill in Eau Claire, until he retired in April 1991, after 36 years at Pope and Talbot.

He liked recycling any kind of plastic bottles. He would spend hours bending, folding and cutting, then using every color of the rainbow he would tape designs on bottles and give them away as gifts. He also liked building things from wood.

William is survived by his children, Lonnie Hanson, Lawrence Hanson, Cecilia Beals and Lane Hanson; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary, Frances and Bernie; a brother, Wayne (Nona) Hanson; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Axel and Alice Hanson; and his wife, Helen.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, with Pastor Wendy Slaback officiating. There will be visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday. Burial will be in Cedar Falls Cemetery in the Ttwn of Red Cedar, Dunn Co., with military honors by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com.