Obituary for Ronald "Ron" Hanson

He was born August 15, 1950, in Ferryville, WI to James and Irene (Vereide) Hanson. He grew up farming in the Viroqua, WI area.

Ron married Cheryl Martin on November 28, 1970, at the Community Church of Christ in Soldiers Grove, WI with John Johnson officiating. This year marked their 54th year of marriage. Together they enjoyed antiquing, the Tomah Toy Show and Auction, adding to their backyard barnyard (“our little bit of country in town”), and the “thrill of the hunt” while searching for gifts for loved ones.

Growing up, Ron had many different jobs in the farming industry before trying his own hand at farming in the Cashton and Westby areas. Eventually the family made their way to the West Salem area where Ron began his 31-year career with the Farmer’s Cooperative in the Heating and Cooling and Agronomy divisions. After his retirement from the Co-op in 2017, Ron became a Lawn Ranger and kicked grass for the West Salem School District until shortly after he began his battle with cancer.

Ron and Cheryl’s favorite pastime was collecting toy tractors and farm equipment, especially if they were green. He also loved hunting for and bidding on peddle cars, metal coin banks, and then turning the house into a showcase for all their treasures. He loved to share this collection with anyone that came to their home. Ron and Cheryl also had a deep affection for muscle cars and hot rods and were particularly fond of Ford Mustangs.

Those who knew Ron would agree that he was a jokester full of one-liners. You just never knew what he was going to say or do. From silly antics to Ole and Lena jokes, his quick wit and laughter will be greatly missed.

More than anything else, his greatest joy was from his grandkids. Whether it was a trip for ice cream or a favorite snack from any store, he demonstrated that grandpas really are “so easy even a child can operate.”

Remaining to cherish Ron’s memory are his wife, Cheryl Ann; children, Jody, Lisa (Jason) Feyen, Chad (Jackie) Hanson, Cory (Kalee) Hanson, and their “daughter without papers” Marice Stueland; beloved grandchildren, Nik, Lilah, Hannah, Jonah, Lilly, Evelyn, Lynze, and Zach; best friend, Jeff Koltermann; brothers, Roger and Ray (Cathy) Hanson; and many other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Preceding Ron in death are his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lyall and Ruth Martin; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He was also preceded in death by his other best friend, Laurel Butler.

To offer your condolences, a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Jostad Chapel, 121 N. Youlon St., West Salem with Patti Happel officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. A celebration of life will follow from 3-6 pm at Hunter’s Last Chance, 140 Leonard St., West Salem.

Ron’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mayo La Crosse Hospice, especially Mary, Lesa, and Sarah who went above and beyond with their love and care for our entire family. We also want to thank the West Salem School District for the wonderful nourishment that sustained the family during this difficult time. Thanks also to the family, friends and neighbors who stopped by, called, and texted- your stories and laughs really showed Ron how much he was loved and cared for.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.