MADISON / COTTAGE GROVE - Neil F. Hanson, of Cottage Grove, passed away on his 92nd birthday, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. He was born on Feb. 10, 1932, in Madison, Wis., the son of Lloyd and Ethel (Mueller) Hanson.

Neil graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1950 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin. He subsequently received a master’s degree from Florida State. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves for 40 years, retiring in 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Neil was united in marriage to Shirley Weikert. They were blessed with two children, Amy and Craig. Shirley passed away at a young age leaving Neil to continue raising their children. On March 18, 1989, he married Pamela (Murphy) Hanson who was from Boston and together they made Madison their home.

Neil enjoyed a career working as a Director of Quality Control for the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services until his retirement in 1992. He was a longtime member of the American Legion.

Neil enjoyed gardening, kayaking, and camping with his family and friends. He made a point of traveling throughout the U.S. and around the world. Neil’s birthday was usually celebrated with family on a tropical vacation.

Neil is survived by his wife of 34 years, Pamela; daughters, Amy (Demetrius) Long and Dawa Tsamcho; son, Craig Hanson; five grandchildren, Marissa (Kyle) Wright, Sarah Delaney, Tsering (Alex) Thillman, Tenzin (Sam Peterson) Tsephel and Shani Long-Meyer; four great-grandchildren, Aniyah Hinton, Malia Wright, Kaiden Delaney and Estelle Strohmenger; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Shirley; and five siblings.

A memorial service will be held at NORTH WINDSOR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 7523 S. Meixner Road, DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. A graveside service with military honors will follow at North Windsor Cemetery, 7650 S. Meixner Road, DeForest.

A visitation was held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Neil’s memory may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive

Neil F Hanson

February 10, 1932 - February 10, 2024

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