----Source: Wednesday, March 17, 2004, Clark County Press

Leland "Lee" Hansen

Leland "Lee" Hansen, age 89, of Neillsville, died peacefully at home on March 11, 2004, surrounded by his family and Marge Garbisch, his partner for the past 13 years.

Leland Floyd Hansen was born on Oct.12, 1914 in Denmark, Wis. to Harry and Christine (Johnsen) Hansen. He spent his first few years in North Dakota, and returned to the Catawba, Wis. area where he attended the Red Tile School from grades 1-5. He attended grades 6 & 7 at Eaton school and 8th grade at Mound School (north of Christie). On Sept. 1, 1936 at Loyal, he married Dorothy Rennak. Lee farmed most of his life around the area and also had a milk hauling route in the 40's and 50's, doing custom hay and combining as well. After selling the farm in 1972, he moved to Neillsville and worked in the woods cutting timber and pulp. As an employee of Clark County he managed Russell Memorial Park at Hatfield from 1970 to 1977 and groomed snowmobile trails around the Bruce Mound area. He also drove bus for Neillsville Schools until the age of 72. Bowling was a favorite pastime of his. He was on leagues since 1942 until just last year. He always looked forward to deer hunting season and participated through the age of 88. He also loved to trade cars (more than 50).

He is survived by his children LeRoy (Kristine) Hansen, Utah; Kenneth (Carla) Hansen, Vermont; Richard (Connie) Hansen, Illinois; Dianne (Mike) Beaufeaux, Minnesota; Leonard (Mary) Hansen, Green Bay; also by sisters Pearl Prock, of Neillsville; Belle Mazolla Imig, Fairchild; Evelyn Walker, Rice Lake; and Lila Dobbs, of Florida; 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren and Marge Garbisch, his partner of 13 years.

He was preceded-in death by his parents; wife Dorothy, Aug.24, 1990; daughter Lorraine (Lorrie) Schiltz, Dec 14, 2002; also by his brothers and sisters Genevieve, Melnard, Sylvia, Orbert, infant Bernice, Eleanor, Everett (Buddy) & Carol.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Lee was held Monday, March 15 at St. Mary's Catholic church in Neillsville. Mass was officiated by father Woodrow Pace. Interment was in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers were nephews Albert Mazolla, Bobby Mortenson, Dewayne Seelow, Richard Seelow, Steve Walker and Jerry White.

The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Lee's family with funeral arrangements.