Gerald "Jerry" Hanson

Gerald “Jerry” W. Hanson, 86, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, in Hayward, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 29, 1940, in Prairie Farm, Wisconsin.
Jerry was raised in Springbrook, where he spent most of his life. He treasured his childhood alongside his six siblings—Richard, Laverne (Sonny), Marlene, Carol, Jan, and Sharon—and his beloved mother, Beatrice, affectionately known as “Grandma Toots.”
He attended Spooner High School and was a proud member of the Class of 1959, a group he remained closely connected to throughout his life.
Following high school, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army. He was honored to serve his country and carried that pride with him throughout his life, maintaining a deep respect and appreciation for the armed forces.
Upon returning home, Jerry met the love of his life, Sherri. Together, they built a life rooted in love and family, raising their two children, Gina and Paul.
Jerry spent his career as a respected fuel oil and gas distributor and businessman in the Hayward area, working with Allen Gas and Oil, Danczyk and Hanson Oil, and Northern Lakes Co-op. Simply put, Jerry was an “oil man,” and he took great pride in his work and the relationships he built over the years.
Above all, Jerry was a devoted family man and a loyal friend. He was admired by many for his kindness, generosity, and that infectious smile. A true Northern Wisconsin native, he loved the outdoors, his church, and sports. Jerry was an avid supporter of the Packers, Brewers, and Spooner Football and Hockey. He cherished time spent hunting and fishing, whether on local lakes and rivers or on memorable trips to Canada or out West with family and friends. He was also a charter member of the Springbrook Tradition Deer Hunting Camp. Jerry was a natural born hunter along with his lifelong hunting buddy Dave Zimbrick.
Jerry lived a full and meaningful life, creating lasting memories with those around him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sherri; daughter Gina (Dan) Curran of Spooner; son Paul (Mary) Hanson of Mount Pleasant, SC; granddaughters Emma (Justin) Huebner of Bloomer, WI Lyndsey Hanson of Chapel Hill, NC, and Marah Hanson of Charlotte, NC; Sisters Carol (Omar) Sprenger and Sharon (Jim) Turnbull from Hayward.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Hanson (Larson); his father Carl Hanson, siblings Marlene (Culley) Clark, Richard Hanson, Laverne Hanson, and Jan (Gordy) Zeien.

Jerry lived a life defined by dedication, humility, and love for those around him.
Thank you, Dad, Husband, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Friend—and lastly, Private First Class Hanson. 
You will be deeply missed.

Services will be held on July 11th at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Springbrook. 
Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Funeral service at 11:00
Followed by Military Honors at church cemetery
Celebration of life to follow at the Springbrook VFW

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