David L. Hanson

David “GD” Hanson passed away peacefully on March 30,2024 at Theda Care Appleton with his family by his side after a short illness.  He didn’t quite make his goal of living to 150 but had a great 88 years.

Dave was born on October 15, 1935 to Floyd and Edna Hanson. Dave was born and raised in Appleton where he lived until moving to Freedom for the last 25 years. He enlisted in the US Army in 1956 where he was stationed in Germany working in the motor pool until he was honorably discharged in 1958.  Dave married Katherine Deitz on August 1, 1959 and were married for 41 years. Katherine preceded him in death on November 13, 2000.

Dave had an incredible work ethic.  He owned and operated many gas stations in the area throughout the years and was the proud owner of Dave’s Certified Service for 56 years of which 55 years also included a U-Haul dealership for which he was honored by U-Haul for his service.  He continued to go to the shop everyday up to the day he was admitted to the hospital, March 26, 2024.

Dave enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Jungle Lake for the past 50 years.  He loved to fish, spend time with family and friends along with treasured time spent deer hunting with “the guys”.  He also had a passion for antique cars he owned over the years which included several Model A’s with his most current a ’57 T-Bird that came all the way from California.  Over the years he was also active with a local Model A club.

Dave had an unmatched sense of humor, loved the Green Bay Packers, a good Diet Coke, strawberry shortcake and trips to Maui with family.  Family was very important to him especially getting together for family birthday and holiday celebrations.  He also had a love for dogs, every dog Dave happened to pass he had to stop to pet and say hi.  Dave had many dogs through the years and is survived by his pride and joy Hank.

Dave is survived by his loving daughter: Kelly (Chuck) Neumann; a brother Chuck (Debbie) Hanson, grandchildren Amanda (Bob) Zeinert, Lydia (Matt) Longmeyer, Aaron (Amanda) Neumann, Nathan (Laura) Neumann, and Kameron Neumann; nieces and nephews Don (JoAnn) Bartels, Vickie Venus, and Nancy Jansen; great grandchildren Noralyn Zeinert, Wesley Longmeyer, and Brody Longmeyer; and special neighbors Jerry and Peggy Spierings.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Kathy, son Rick, a sister Shirley (Don) Bartels, and his parents Floyd and Edna Hanson.

A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, located at 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton, with Rev. Daniel Thews officiating.   Dave will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park next to his wife Kathy. Visitation will begin Saturday morning at 9:00 AM and continue until the time of the service.  

The family would like to give sincere thank you to his niece Nancy Jansen for providing the entire Hanson family peace of mind over the last few years while providing love and support to Dave and Hank.

We would like to extend a thank you to Theda Care Appleton 3rd floor team especially Marcus and Cody for their compassion during Dave’s stay in the hospital.