DONALD HANSEN

Donald E. Hansen, age 75, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was born on January 26, 1934, to the late Bernard & Ethel (Larsen) Hansen in Gillett, Wisconsin. Don was married to Janet (Portmann) Diedrich on September 25, 1971. He is further survived by twin daughters Joyce Hansen and Judy (Matt) Dillenburg and two grandchildren, Madelyn and Katelyn. From 1955-1957 Don served with the US Army in Korea, followed by 2 years in the Army Reserve. Don had a 30year career with the U.S. Postal Service, Menasha, until his retirement in 1993. Don, like his father, enjoyed carpentry and worked in his uncles construction business. Don continued his love of woodworking throughout his life and took up woodturning as a hobby in his retirement. He was a member of the Northeast Wisconsin Woodturners Guild. Favorite outdoor activities included gardening, hunting and fishing. Don's passion for over 50 years was raising and training Beagles to compete in sanctioned field trials throughout the state. Don was a charter member of the Fox River Beagle Club in which he served as an officer for over 30 years.Don was inducted into the Wisc. Assoc. of Beagle Clubs Hall of Fame in 2002. Don and Janet enjoyed polka dancing, camping and traveling. They were members of the Vinland Couples Club. Along with his family, Don was actively involved in Winnebago County 4-H and the Ridgeway 4-H Club. He was a woodworking leader for over 25 years and was honored with the Friend in 4-H Award. Don was a man of great faith and an active member in his church. He touched the lives of many people with his generous helping hands and maintained many friendships throughout his life. Other survivors include his sister Alice (Earl) Zicafoose, sisters- and brothers-in-law Monica Westerbeger, Romunda & Donald Van Asten, Fay Portmann, Pat & Jim Millay, Nancy & Bob Wilson, Shirley & Kay Hostettler, Janet & Gary Steinmetz, Carol Loos, Mary Beth & Daryl Kingsley, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Don is preceded in death by brothers-in-law Allan Portmann, Philip Westenberger, and Al Loos. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 4, 2010, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Neenah, with Rev. Catherine Mode officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday January 3, at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home from 2 to 7 pm, with a prayer service at 5 pm. Visitation will continue Monday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service. A lunch will follow the service. Burial will be in Resthaven Cemetery, Neenah. Don and his family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the doctors, ICU staff and hospice team at St. Elizabeth Hospital for the loving care they provided. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established to benefit Dons favorite charities.