Barbara Ann "nee Johnson" Hanson

Obituary For Barbara Ann Hanson (nee Johnson)

Barbara was born to Elmo and Alice Johnson in Black River Falls, Wisconsin on February 3, 1939. She peacefully passed away on July 23, 2025 after spending several days surrounded by her loving crew- so many family and friends filled her room with love.

Barb married her soulmate, Paul Hanson, on August 19, 1961. Together they created the greatest love story. They had five children: Alisa (Scott), Jennifer (Michael), Paul (Marni), Amy (Kevin), and Beth (Rob); fifteen grandchildren: Corey (Amanda) and Samantha Bruns; Zachary (Megan), Jacob, and Lucas Deutschmann; Max, Benett, and Jacob Hanson; Madelyn, Riley and Charles Fay; Jackson, Grant, Alice, and Olivia Hakes; and five great-grandchildren: Emma, Audrey, Lucas, Daniel, and Danielle. She is also survived by her beloved sister Brenda (Ron) Hanson and much extended family.

Barb loved all of life, and her positivity radiated every day. She serenaded many during her lifetime with her beautiful piano playing and could be found "loosening up her fingers" at her grand piano. Barb read voraciously - both non-fiction and fiction - and liked to share her books so others could enjoy the stories as much as she did. Another of her favorite pastimes was watching sports. She and Paul made sure to attend their grandkids' games over the years, and they could be found side by side on the couch with Marquee and ESPN streaming. Cards and games were ALWAYS being played when you were with her. She was famous for not letting her grandkids win just to win; they needed to know how to lose. A competitive soul to be sure. Barb's mind was as sharp as a tack, and she passionately discussed pop-culture, world events, best novels, politics, sports (especially basketball and football), music, family, and friends; if you weren't on-your-game or in-the-know with information, she could school you with her wealth of knowledge.

Barb was a life-long teacher. She taught middle school and high school English throughout her career and was all about perfect grammar. In addition to her work as an educator, she volunteered for many organizations. She served as church organist and on altar guild for her home churches in Wisconsin and Illinois. She participated in Interfaith utilizing her strengths to help the elderly. She was active in Tuesday Club (which always met on Wednesdays). She gave her time to local hospitals and served in several different capacities.

Her family takes great comfort in her being at peace. We know she is playing Heaven's piano with her dad accompanying her on trumpet and her mom sipping a martini while watching them both.

A service will be held to honor her at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls, Wisconsin on Saturday, Aug 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. An open house luncheon will follow at Castle Hill Supper Club in Merrillan, Wisconsin. The family will be holding a Celebration of Life in Illinois at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, Barb's husband Paul and family kindly request donations be made in her memory to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls, Wisconsin or to Ascension Hospice Facility in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. We are eternally grateful for the compassion and care our sweet wife/mother received while there.

"The song is ended, but the melody keeps lingering on."