RONALD HANSEN

Ronald Frederick Hansen, age 81, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, surrounded by his cherished family, after a year-long battle following a terminal cancer diagnosis. Ron bravely fought his illness to remain with his family as long as he could until he became too tired, earning eternal rest.

Ron was born on August 7, 1944, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, son of the late Harold and Elnora (Schwantes) Hansen. He was an accomplished athlete and graduate of Brillion High School, class of 1962. Shortly following graduation, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He studied in Pensacola, Florida, and was stationed in both Japan and Guam between the years 1962-65, serving as a morse code translator.

After proudly serving his country, he returned home. In addition to meeting and marrying his homecoming queen, Sharon Joosten, of Kimberly, Wisconsin, on April 22, 1967, Ron had been employed at both Appleton Papers and Miller Electric for short periods of time. He then pursued an apprenticeship through the I.B.EW. (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), Local 577, in Appleton, Wisconsin, earning his journeyman electrician license. Ron worked for numerous contractors as a highly-respected union electrician throughout his career, and further served three-year terms as both Asst. Business Manager and Business Manager for the Local. He retired from the Trades in 2008 at the age of 64.

Ron was meticulous at both work and play. He took great pride in a job well-done, or excelling at whatever it was he was involved in. He had a strong passion for the game of golf, with his last outing having taken place a week after his 81st birthday with his longstanding league partner and youngest brother, Russ. Even though in the final stages of his cancer journey recently, Ron was determined to try to finish his league play at Reid Golf Course and remain competitive. He further took enormous pride in his 58-year marriage and caretaking for his wife, Sharon, in his children he showed continuous gratitude towards, and his grandson and three granddaughters. Ron was the epitome of a supportive and generous parent and grandparent, attending as many school functions, sporting events and competitive cheer and dance competitions as he was able, and finding just the right opportunities to brag about his family. Ron served as a devoted chauffeur, traveling across the state as well as out-of-state to transport his grandchildren to events, always dropping “his girls” off at the front door (even being sure to drop his daughter off at the front door of the cancer center before his chemo treatments so she didn't have to walk from the parking lot). He was always the loudest referee in the stands, and the quietest slipper of money or gas cards. Ron enjoyed a 17-year retirement, also sharing his compassion by volunteering his time for many years at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Even when struggling in his last days, he still greeted his family with his warm smile. He chose to always come last, until he knew he had to put his best interests first and decide to close out his lifetime on his own terms even though he so badly wanted to stay “just five more years.”

Ron is survived by his wife, Sharon; children: Rick (Lisa) Hansen and Staci (Bryan) Roskom; grandchildren: Shauna (Brian) Heiden and Shaela Roskom, and Ryan and Samantha Hansen. He is also survived by his siblings and in-laws: Barbara Graper (Brillion), Robert Hansen (Watertown), George Shamburek (Reedsville), Beverly Ambroso (Sherwood), Russ (Lori) Hansen (Appleton), Bonnie (Dan) Gilson (Brillion), Mary LeMay (Neenah), Tom (Debbie) Joosten (Oneida) and Tim (Mary) Joosten (Kimberly). Ron is further survived by many nieces and nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his and his wife's parents; his sister, Betty Shamburek; three brothers-in-law: Donald Graper, John Ambroso and Joseph LeMay; a sister-in-law, Marlene Hansen; and an infant sister, Sandra Hansen.

The family would like to thank the staff at ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center and most recently ThedaCare Hospice coordinators for their care of Ron and support during this most difficult time.

Per Ron's wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. A private family-only celebration of Ron's life will be held at a later date.

Dad, thankful the only appointments you have left are endless tee times on the most beautiful and Heavenly golf courses.

We expect there will now be a surplus of butter packets with your absence.

We will let Cranky Pat's know they can now reduce their supply of Parmesan cheese shakers.

Forever wouldn't have been long enough!

Until we are together again with our missing piece -

Love you endlessly!

FOREVER IN MY HEART:

THE MOMENT YOU LEFT ME, MY HEART WAS SPLIT IN TWO.

ONE SIDE WAS FILLED WITH MEMORIES, THE OTHER SIDE DIED WITH YOU.

I OFTEN LAY AWAKE AT NIGHT WHEN THE WORLD IS FAST ASLEEP,

AND TAKE A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH TEARS UPON MY CHEEK.

REMEMBERING YOU IS EASY, I DO IT EVERY DAY.

BUT MISSING YOU IS A HEARTACHE THAT NEVER GOES AWAY.

I HOLD YOU TIGHTLY WITHIN MY HEART AND THERE YOU WILL REMAIN.

YOU SEE LIFE HAS GONE ON WITHOUT YOU, BUT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.

(Author unknown.)