Laurence William Hanson

MIDDLETON/WISCONSIN DELLS – Laurence “Larry” Hanson, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Feb. 17, 2014, at Reedsburg Area Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Oct. 15, 1963, in Madison, WI, Larry grew up in the Middleton area. Together with his siblings, Larry spent many days of his youth at swim team meets, baseball games and wrestling tournaments. Long summer family vacations in the Wisconsin north woods nurtured a life-long passion for fishing and cabin life, a tradition that Larry continued for many years. Larry attended Middleton High School, Madison Business College, and UW-Stevens Point. He worked in the trades industry in the Middleton/Waunakee area for over twenty years, taking pride in his work ethic and workmanship – “he was always the first man on the job”. Larry met his soul mate, Carol while doing volunteer work and from that point on they were inseparable. Together they raised a daughter, Melissa and for two years helped her survive cancer at an early age. His greatest pride, is his granddaughter – Jean Ann. Jean captured Larry’s heart from the day she was born and she spent many days with her “papa” bringing great joy to his life. Larry will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know his warmth, humor and endless love. He never asked anyone for anything, but was the kind of man who would give his shirt off his back to warm yours. Larry is survived by his loving parents Craig and Linda Hanson, Mt. Horeb, his soul mate, Carol Rochester, daughter, Melissa and granddaughter, Jean Ann, his two sisters, Vicki (Steve) Villacrez, and Tracy (Edward) Kneubuehl, his brother Bryan (Julie) Hanson, and nieces; Kayla, Erin, Lauren and Jenna and nephews; Tyler and Garrott who love their “Uncle Larry”. There will be a visitation from 5pm to 7pm Friday, February 21, 2014 at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION Care, 7435 University Ave, Middleton. The family would like to thank all the care providers at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center for the tender care they gave to him and to all of us. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Lung Cancer Society at www.lung.org. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761