Obit: Hannewald, Florence Helene (1921 - 2013)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bruning, Hagberg, Hannewald, Hartman, Hurley

----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 12/11/2013

Hannewald, Florence Helene (Hagberg) (27 JAN 1921 - 8 DEC 2013)

Florence Helene (Hagberg) Hannewald, 92, passed away at Marathon Assisted Living in Marathon, on Sunday, December 8th, 2013. She had lived with her daughter Barbara and son-in-law Thomas Bruning of Marathon for 16 years.

Florence was born to John and Hildur Hagberg in Kage, Sweden, January 27th, 1921. She was the oldest of five children and grew up in Amasa, Iron County, MI. Even in the early years the Hagberg parents instilled in their children the value of education, something no one could take from them.

The children showed incredible resilience in overcoming a series of obstacles. First, breast cancer claimed their mother. Two years later, just before their father succumbed to poor health, their youngest sibling was adopted by relatives in Illinois and separated from the family.

Florence and the other children lived as orphans, or as she described it, “a Pippi Longstocking” type of existence. They were largely left to their own devices, but received community support and critical guidance from key adults.

There were social programs established by the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration to meet their basic needs as well as informal help from friends and neighbors. Florence was encouraged by the former principal of Amasa High School to pursue an education degree. She earned her B.S. in Home Economics from Northern Michigan University in 1943 paving the way for her siblings. During a career spanning more than three decades, Florence spent the majority of her time teaching Home Economics in Benzonia (MI) Public Schools and First Grade in Bear Lake (MI) Public Schools.

While in Benzonia she met her future husband Robert Hannewald. They married in 1950, and resided there for 47 years before moving to Marathon.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Thomas) Bruning, of Marathon; brother, John Hagberg Jr., of Warren, MI; grandsons, Gunnar (Stephanie) Bruning and their children Spencer and Soren of Catonsville, MD, and Hans (Jill) Bruning and their children Annika and Erik of Chester, VT.

Florence is preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert; siblings Gunnar Hagberg, Carolyn Hartman, and June Brown Hurley.

Thank you to Darlene, Beth and Cheryl of Aspirus VNA; the staff of Mara Assisted Living; Gloria and Dr. William Nietert; Chaplain Steven Russell and Flora of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services; caregiver, Bev; Reverend Phil Schneider and St. Paul’s UCC for their prayers and support.

Memorials may be directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Respecting Florence’s wishes, no services are planned.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com