MADISON - Geraldine “Gerry” Hansen (Gigi), 97 years young, passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2024, with her family by her side, at Agrace Hospice Care. It is incredibly poetic that she left this world on Mother’s Day, having cherished her role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother so dearly.

She was born at home on Aug. 15, 1926, in Charles City, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Geraldine (Welch) Wetzel. Her family moved to Madison when she was two, because her father believed that girls should have the opportunity to go to college. She was raised by her parents to value family, faith and education. Gerry grew up on Helena Street on the near east side of Madison. She always spoke fondly of her childhood, her neighborhood, her family and her friendships; she maintained many lifelong friendships from that era.

Gerry’s grandmother taught her to sew and she, in turn, taught her daughters. She especially liked making garments and curtains. She enjoyed teaching others to sew and was involved as a 4-H leader.

Gerry was a proud member of the Madison East High class of 1944, then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1948. After graduating, she worked for the Bell Telephone company as a business manager and supervisor. As much as she maintained her lifelong love of finance, she never regretted choosing family over career, her greatest joy was always her family.

She met her husband, Charles “Jerry” Hansen, while bowling with the Madison Young Adult Club. Together, Gerry and Jerry built their life centered on their family and raised their two daughters, Debbie and Barb with joy, love, respect and a tremendous sense of fun. The only thing they enjoyed more than their children was their grandchildren.

Gerry and Jerry were both extremely social and hospitable. There were no strangers, only friends they hadn’t met yet. Together they enjoyed travel, bridge groups and lots of adventure. Some of their most memorable trips were with the Friendship Force, on cruise ships and taking the entire family to Disney World. Gerry worked part time in the travel industry to help others plan their travel adventures. Gerry was proud of her Irish heritage, loved visiting Ireland with Debbie, and was thrilled when her first grandchild was born on St. Patrick’s Day.

She was a gracious and hospitable woman. Special memories include the many home cooked meals, typically followed by card games and board games. Gerry and Jerry enjoyed many bridge groups in Madison over the years and all the grandchildren learned to play cards as soon as they were old enough to hold the cards.

She preferred to be called Gigi after she turned 80, thinking that name was more fun than her given name. Those that met her after age 80 may only have known her as Gigi.

She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Debbie (Ed) Kunz and Barb Hansen (Frank Stifter); her grandchildren, Megan (Nick) Uhlenhake, Edward Charles Kunz, Molly Kunz, Betsy (Nick) Termini, Sam Stifter and Greta Stifter; as well as by her great-granddaughter, Emmelia. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles “Jerry” Hansen; and her parents, Harry and Geraldine Wetzel.

The family would like to thank the extraordinary caregivers at All Saints Memory Care and Agrace Hospice for the genuine love and compassion they showed Gigi and her Little One.

“All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024 with Father Jay Poster presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park.

May the road rise to meet you;

May the wind be always at your back;

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rain fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

-Irish Blessing

Geraldine "Gerry" Hansen (Gigi)

August 15, 1926 - May 12, 2024

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