Obit: Hanson, Arlene L. (1917 – 2010)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Hanson, Shankey, Andrews, Larimore, Annunziata

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) March 24, 2010

Hanson, Arlene L. (29 April 1917 – 20 March 2010)

Arlene L. Hanson, 92, of Black River Falls, and formerly of Alma Center, Merrillan and Elmhurst, IL, died Saturday, March 20, 2010, at Black River Memorial Hospital under the care of Black River Memorial Hospice.

Arlene L. Andrews was born April 20, 1917, in Alma Center to Laura (Shankey) and Earl Andrews.  She was raised in the Alma Center and Merrillan areas and graduated from Merrillan High School in 1935.  Following her high school graduation, she attended beauty school in Eau Claire.

Arlene married Donald H. Hanson of Hixton in 1940.  They lived in Merrillan for a short time and then moved to the Chicago, IL area in 1943.

She was employed for a few years by the beauty shop in the Freeman Hotel of Black River Falls.  She later was employed by the Fannie Mae Candy Factory in Chicago for over 30 years, starting out as a “candy dipper” and working her way up to a management position.

Arlene and Don built a house in Elmhurst, IL, where they raised three children, Kay, Jan and Dee.  When they retired, they came home to the Black River area.  They first lived in Northfield and enjoyed country living and spending time at their cottage in Hatfield.  As they both aged, they moved into Black River Falls.

Arlene enjoyed volunteering at Black River Memorial Hospital and being a member of Friends of the Cemetery.  They also did some traveling and became “snowbirds” in Alabama where their daughter, Kay, resides.

Shortly after Arlene’s husband, Don, passed away in 1997, she moved into Pine View Terrace. She enjoyed the social life there and made many new friends.   Way too soon, she had to move into Pine View Care Center, where she has resided for the past few years.

Survivors include two daughters, Kay (David) Larimore and Jan (Steve) Annunziata; grandchildren, Lori, Julie, Kim, Kari, Jeff and Erin; great-grandchildren Bridget, Reese, Holli, Kris, Kyle, Michael, Stephen, Nicholas and Alyssa; great-great-grandchildren, Sophie, Sam and Sadie; and many very special nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; her parents, Earl and Laura Andrews; her daughter, Dee; her sister, Wanda, and husband, Larry; and her niece, Gail.

Private family graveside services will be held at East Lawn Cemetery, Alma Center at a later date.

The Buswell Funeral Home, Black River Falls, is assisting the family with arrangements.