WAUNAKEE, WI - Michael (Mick/Mickey/Opa) Albert Hansen, 71, was released from his 12-year battle with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease on Sunday, January 16. His passing was ushered by his wife and soulmate of 49 years, his devoted younger sister, and the heroic staff at Bright Star Senior Living Waunakee (memory care) and Agrace Hospice Care.

Born on December 23, 1950, Mick was the third of four children of Albert and Lorraine (Fonk) Hansen of Racine. A 1969 graduate of J.I. Case High School, he later obtained bachelor's degrees from UW River Falls (Science Education), Marquette University (Physical Therapy), and a master's from Cardinal Stritch University (Health Administration). He was recognized in the community for his athletics: playing football, basketball, & baseball, and coaching his sons' community basketball and baseball teams. Mick also championed the physical therapy vocation, and his lifetime of patients, with ownership and partnership of two Racine/Kenosha agencies (Racine Physical Therapy & Southport Rehab Associates Inc.).

Away from work Mick loved coaching, traveling (especially to Germany after he had taught himself to speak fluent German and with his penchant for WWII history), outdoor adventures in a kayak, on a bike, or on skis (especially in Door County), and anything that involved his family. His infectious and witty sense of humor was a hallmark of his personality and enriched (most of) his relationships. Home improvements and tasks involving a toolbox, however, were notoriously far from his abilities and patience, a source of many hilarious and treasured "Clark Griswold-like" moments.

Mick faced his terminal illness with strength, courage, grace, and even levity. Not once did he complain or indulge in self-pity. Instead, for years he volunteered in clinical trials, cognitive testing, and medical procedures with the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center so that a cure or treatment would be available for future generations. Serious conversations were replaced with jokes, ping-pong, dancing, The Greatest Showman on continuous loop, and long walks. Mick never stopped rooting for the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Bucks, or fist-pumping/air-drumming to his favorites of Pitbull (yes, you read that correctly) and Willie Nelson.

Mick is survived by his high school sweetheart who he met in math class, Karla (Kolls); two sons: Wes (David) and Kevin (Gina); two grandchildren: (Emma and Michael); and three siblings: Sandra, James (Donna), and Mary. In place of a traditional funeral his life will be honored in an intimate and immediate family celebration surrounded by nature and love. Contributions honoring/in memory of Mick can be made to Agrace Hospice Care at agrace.org/donate or via check to the Agrace Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Racine Journal Times on Jan. 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hansen

10 Entries

Jim Marescalco

December 12, 2023

Karla, thinking of you and the family this Christmas. Memories will make you smile and family be by your side. A blessed Christmas to you all.
Jim Marescalco

Jay Fruehling

April 7, 2022

A memorable fella and a memorable family. Condolences to each of you for your losses. I'm sure you're telling them a few stories and laughing along with them all, Mick!

Gary Ahrndt

February 3, 2022

Just learned of Mickey's passing and want you to know how sorry I am for you family's loss. I remember his upbeat personality. Karla, may God grant you and your family peace in this difficult time.

LISA MUNSON HOLERUD

February 2, 2022

I've "known" Mick for the past two years, tho sadly I am sure at the point he came into my life, he was far different then the Mick his family had known and loved for so many years prior to his illness. I watched Karla, Wes and Kevin, and Mick's sister(s) come to visit Mick at Brightstar Senior Living, each and every weekend that I worked without fail, and each of them always had a smile on their face and the most positive upbeat attitude I could even imagine facing what they had faced for so many years. The love they shared and the closeness of their family was evident, and tho I can't truly say I "knew" Mick, I know he must have been a great guy seeing the love and devotion his family showed him daily. Karla, I will miss your sweet smile and positive energy and I truly hope you are all able to find peace knowing that Mick has finally found his. Much love to you all.

Jay Hammes

January 29, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with Karla and her family. Mick was humble, caring, and kind. Yes, he was talented especially on the playing surface but was also a credit to humanity. So sad.

Jim Marescalco

January 26, 2022

Dear Karla, Wes, and Kevin,
It saddens me to hear about Mick and although I only knew him and the family through a few times that I visited your home, he impressed me as a great dad and husband to Karla. And to Karla I want to express my deepest sympathies to a lady that was a wonderful and caring teacher who enhanced Somers Elementary School. May God bless you and your family in these hard times. Be comforted in knowing that he is now free to enjoy eternal life.

Gary C. A. Bogart

January 25, 2022

I did not know the man but, if he was half the man you describe in his obit? He must have been remarkable in stature. What a beautiful tribute has been written about him. I hope that someday, somebody has as nice of things to say about me. Isn't that what we all want in Life and Death and dying? Peace be with you in your time of grief and sorrow, but rejoice in knowing that Mike is home again with his Heavenly Father.

Charlie Rice

January 25, 2022

So sorry to hear of Mickey´s passing, though it´s been some time since I´ve seen him, I have fond memories playing football with him at Case. He was always a class guy. He will be missed by everyone he encountered, I´m sure.

Peggy Loumos Kennedy

January 25, 2022

So sorry to hear about Mickey. Condolences to Carla and the whole family. May his memory be eternal!

Tom Adams

January 23, 2022

My condolences to Karla and the extended family. I remember Micky as catcher on our RYS championship team the Racine Aces. Great athlete, great guy and tremendous leader on our team.
My prayers are with you all,
Tom Adams

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