David M. Hanson

David M. Hanson, 87, of Watertown, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Watertown Regional Medical Center.

David was born on November 28, 1938, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the son of Harold and Gwendolyn (Dragseth) Hanson. He married the love of his life, Sharon Heinrichs, on February 4, 1967, in Madison. Together they shared fifty-three wonderful years of marriage.

David graduated from UW–Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. He devoted his entire career to the banking industry, beginning as a bank examiner for the State of Wisconsin. He later worked at the Commercial Bank in Whitewater and went on to enjoy a long and distinguished career as President of Valley Bank South Central in Watertown.

David was deeply involved in the Watertown community. He served on several boards, including Watertown Memorial Hospital and the Watertown Area Community Foundation. He loved golfing, fishing, traveling, gardening, baking Norwegian cookies at Christmas, cheering on Wisconsin Badger sports, and most of all, spending time with his family. He was an incredibly proud grandfather to his six grandsons. His happiest moments were spent golfing with them, playing cribbage, and talking college basketball. He will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

David is survived by his daughters, Leslie (Eric) Draheim and Jennifer (Bret) Reese; his grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Ryan, Josh, James, and William; his brother, Steve (Alice) Hanson; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Sharon.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorials in David’s honor may be made to the Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Formerly JDRF) or the Watertown Area Community Foundation.