William H. Hanson

Hanson, William H.
“Grandpa Bill”
Appleton

Age 87, of Appleton, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 28, 2008. He was born in Appleton on April 27, 1921 to the late Harvey and Mabel (Hintz) Hanson. On July 25, 1940 he married Lucille Gruber at St. Therese Catholic Church, Appleton. They enjoyed 67 years together. Shortly after Bill was married, he served in the United States Army. He went on to become a taxi and bus driver, and worked at Appleton Coated Paper. He was then employed with the United States Post Office, retiring in 1984. In his retirement years, he enjoyed volunteering at Catholic Central where he was given the nickname, “Grandpa Bill.” Bill was fond of fishing and spent many hours at the cottage on Lake Winnebago. He was an avid bowler and was inducted into the Appleton Bowling Hall of Fame. He was a longtime active member of the O.D.D. Fellows. Bill had a heart of gold and would do anything to help others.

Bill is survived by four of his five children: Sharon Wichman, Randy (Char) Hanson, Terri (Jeff) Miller, and Dave (Jill) Hanson, and lifelong family friend, Mendy Zussman. Also grieving the passing of Bill are grandchildren: Debra Hanson, Rick Hanson, Jason (Stacey) Hanson, Bobbi (John) Hicken, Scott (Jill) Hanson, Jenni (John) Thurlow, Chad Miller, and Katie Miller; seven great- grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Arlean and Ted Pack; sisters-in-law: Pat Hanson and Inez Hanson. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Ceil; son, William D. Hanson and his wife Jeanette; son-in-law, Tom Wichman; great-grandchild, Eric Zeegers; grandson Dave Zeegers; and his siblings; Harold Hanson, Violet Gruber, and Melvin Hanson. He was also preceded in death by his loving step-father, Walter Palmbach.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, with Fr. Larry Abler celebrating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Wichmann Funeral Home, where a parish vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. followed by an O.D.D. Fellows service. Visitation resumes at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton.

Bill and his children would like to thank special nieces and nephews, Jan and Ray Sommers, Bev and Al Meyer, Carol Page, and special friends, Herman Kinnie, Carol Fuerst (special caregiver), Affinity Hospice, the Home Instead caregivers (especially Judy), and nurse Rachel.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
online condolences
www.wichmannfargo.com