WILLIAM HANSON

William Charles Hanson (“Wild Bill”), age 76 of Hortonville, passed away on Thursday, January 5th, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Upson, Wisconsin on July 1st, 1940, the son of the late Charles and Eleanor (Smith) Hanson. Bill served his country in the U.S. Navy for 3 years. He was united with the love of his life, Carol Oliphant, on August 19, 1961 in Ashland, WI and they celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Bill was employed for 41 years with Glatfelter Paper Company. He graduated from the Millwright program at Fox Valley Technical Institute in 1978. He was the union Vice President and President of the Local 889 for many years. He was a delegate of the State AFL-CIO Conservation Committee and co-chair of the Forestry and Soil Sub-Committee. Bill also served as the City of Neenah Alderman 7th ward for 2 two-year terms. He aided in the formation of the Labor Council Education Committee for various area paper mills. Bill was a lifetime member of Winnebago Archer, an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting for whitetail deer and turkey and fishing year round. One of Bill's greatest passions was turkey calling, so much that he would just about drive Mom out of the house while practicing during off season! He also enjoyed bird watching, spectating his favorite sports franchises, the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers, traveling with his wife Carol, and especially spending time with family.

Bill is survived and loved dearly by his wife Carol, his children; Shamia (Garry) Forman, James (Katy) Hanson, Paula (Roy) Detra, Scott (Tara) Hanson, grandchildren; Chyanne, Miles, Whitney, Nicholas, Spencer, Haley, Mitchell, Cierra, Carli, Adyson, Lauren, great grandchildren; Nolan, Ryker, Lyla, sister; Sandy Rauls, brothers; Pat (Sylvia) Hanson, Mike (Deb) Hanson, sisters-in-law; Cheryl Hanson, Audrey Hanson, Irene Oliphant, brothers-in-law; Curtis Oliphant, David Gordan and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers; Jeff, Roger, Danny, and Terrance, in-laws; Jerald and Marie Oliphant, brothers-in-law; Larry Rauls, Davis Oliphant, and sisters-in-law: Darleen Gordon and Sharon Hanson.

Dad, you were a loving father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend. We love you and you will be missed.

A Memorial Service for Bill will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home with Father Larry Seidl officiating.  Friends will be received at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank the first responders (the Fox River Mall security and staff, Grand Chute Police Department, and Gold Cross Ambulance), the chaplain and other caring staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and all others who have assisted and prayed with us.

When we leave this world, how much we have loved will be our legacy. It is the only thing we will leave behind and carry with us!