Another World War II Air Force veteran has folded his wings. Robert Owen Hanson was gathered unto his people on March 23, 2015. He was born to Emma and Ole A. Hanson of York on November 8, 1921. He married Mavis E. Larson on April 24, 1942. Shortly after, he was sent overseas and flew 32 missions over Germany in a B-24 Liberator. He was awarded several service medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, and the Victory Medal.
After several moves, Bob and Mavis built a house in Pigeon Falls in 1956. Throughout his life he enjoyed various hobbies such as square dancing, playing baseball and softball, riding horseback, and tearing down old buildings and making furniture and other woodworking projects out of the wood. He also took up golfing after he retired from over 40 years of service to Land O' Lakes in Whitehall and subsequently in Eau Claire. Bob and his family were custodians in the lower church in Pigeon Falls for several years and he was a faithful choir member for many years. He also served as president of the church council and treasurer for the Village of Pigeon.
Bob was preceded to the hereafter by his parents, three sisters, Lorayne Kleven, Doris Bell and Nola Lien, and his daughter-in-law Linda Johnson Hanson. He is survived by his wife Mavis, son Marko of Prentice, son Rolf (Betsy) of Onalaska, daughter Mary (Ron) Dean of Chippewa Falls, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, April 18th at Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls with a visitation at the church for one hour prior to the service.
Donations would be appreciated to a military organization such as the Wounded Warriors, Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls endowment fund, or the charity of your choice.