Alvin B. (Al) Hanson

Alvin Bertrand Hanson, age 94, resident of Two Rivers, WI, peacefully passed away at his home early Wednesday morning, September 11, 2024, with his loving family at his side.

Al was born on his farm home in Mt. Horeb on November 22, 1929. He was the fifth of six children to Alvin and Beatrice (Hustad) Hanson. He graduated from Mt. Horeb High School in 1947 then furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, earning his Bachelors degree in 1951. Following graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and served with the 3rd Infantry Division during the Korean War (1951-53) and continued as a member of the Army Reserves until 1959.

After his military service he began his teaching career at Randolph, WI where he remained for 11 years. It was during this time that he met his soon to be wife, Gwendolyn Mae Roberts. They were wed on February 25, 1956 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. In 1966 Al earned his Masters degree from the University of South Dakota at Vermillion. For the next 25 years, he taught Sophomore and Senior Biology at Washington High School in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, retiring in 1992.

Al was a member of many professional organizations and attended many summer school sessions in the state as well as science institutes in other states. He liked the interaction with other faculty and the friendships that developed and continued on the golf course for twenty years after retirement. Al was a member of the American Legion and served as an Exalted Ruler and Secretary for many years of the Two Rivers Elks Lodge #1380. In 1983 he joined the American Mensa Organization and remained an active member until his passing. He was an avid reader, enjoyed playing his guitar, was a member of several card groups and also a frustrated but determined golfer.

Al dearly loved his wife, his children and grandchildren and took enormous pride in his family. He is survived by his loving & devoted wife of  68 years, Gwen Hanson; three children: Jeffrey R. Hanson of Oakland, CA, Laura (James) Biggins of Saginaw, MI, and John T. (Paulina) Hanson of Longmont, CO; four grandchildren: Connor J. Biggins, Amilia Mae Hanson, Van Jorge Hanson, and step grandson, Marcus (Nikki) Biggins. He is further survived by one brother, Gene Hanson of Kansas City, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Beatrice Hanson; his sister, Harriet Pendleton; and three brothers: Tenner, Percival, and Donald Hanson.

A funeral service will be held at 12 o'clock on Friday, September 20, 2024 at the Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th Street, Two Rivers. Chaplain Paul Gleichner will officiate with military honors immediately to follow at the funeral home.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, Friday, Sept. 20th from 10:00 a.m. until 12 o'clock.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

The Hanson family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the caring medical staff of Aurora Medical Center for the wonderful care provided. Special thanks also to the caregivers of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate care and support.