Mary Ann Hanson

Mary Ann Hanson, age 85, entered the Kingdom of Heaven peacefully on October 14, 2025, after a brief stay at The Waters of Pewaukee. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her - including her devoted husband of 64 years, Dr. James Hanson; daughters Libby (Oyvind) Wistrom and Katie (Jay) Slipper; and grandchildren Alex Wistrom, Riley Wistrom, Finley Wistrom, Lainie Slipper, and Eloise Slipper.
Born on February 10, 1940, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Sherman and June (née Hynek) Foertsch, Mary Ann's early years were spent swimming in Lake Michigan and developing a love of learning that would shape her lifelong passion for education.
A graduate of William Horlick High School, Mary Ann went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega. Her degrees in History and English laid the foundation for future endeavors, like teaching at Schenk Junior High School in Madison and later serving on the Elmbrook School Board, where her leadership and foresight helped shape local education policy for years to come.
Mary Ann was deeply committed to civic involvement. She was an active member of the Republican Women of Southeastern Wisconsin, as well as a founding member of We're Watching Wisconsin Elections, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to ensuring transparency and integrity in the electoral process. She served as a volunteer Election Observer, testified before the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board and the State Assembly Committee on Election and Campaign Reform, and contributed to legislative discussions surrounding Wisconsin's Voter ID bill and election laws. Her steadfast advocacy for fair and transparent elections earned her the Alvan E. Bovay Award, recognizing her outstanding dedication to the Republican Party and her efforts to strengthen Wisconsin's democratic process.
Mary Ann was also an avid patron of the performing arts and donated generously to many related organizations. She loved attending Shakespeare in the Park and American Players Theater performances with her dear friend Carolynn, and also held season tickets to the Milwaukee Rep, Next Act Theatre, Milwaukee Symphony, Florentine Opera, Sunset Playhouse, and Waukesha Civic Theatre. Her favorite instrumental, vocal, and theatrical performances - however - were those featuring the grandkids.
Though she touched many lives through her intellect, warmth, and generosity, Mary Ann's greatest expression of love was her selfless care for their disabled son, Peter Hanson. Through her example, Mary Ann instilled in her family the enduring values of kindness, compassion, and service.
In addition to their beloved son Peter, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws Everett and Helen Hanson; sister Donna Van Kampen; brothers Jim and Curt Foertsch; sisters-in-law Linda Huenink, Shari Schroeder, and Charlene Foertsch; brother-in-law Don Schroeder; and nephews David Larsen and Marine Lance Corporal Scott Schroeder.
Sister-in-law Kathy Foertsch survives her, along with brothers-in-law Rev. D. John (Susan) Huenink and Skip (Barbara) VanKampen; nephews Rick Larsen, Jim (Becky) Huenink, John Huenink, Erik Schroeder, Chip (Jenny) Schroeder, and Tad (Jamie) Schroeder; nieces Joanne (Mark) Unger, Janice Peterson, Wendy Lynam, Anne VanKampen, Brenda Huenink, Claudia Mendoza, Renee Itzenhuiser and Janelle Schroeder; many great-nieces and nephews; and dear friends, including the Mountain Drive Gang and Birthday Club.
Mary Ann lived by the words: "The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out."
Visitation will be held at the Harder Funeral Home in Brookfield on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 11:30 AM until the time of service at 1:30 PM, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission are appreciated.