Ronald E. Hanson

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Ronald E. Hanson, 67, of Wakefield, formerly of Rhinelander, Wis., passed away Monday, July 15, 2013, at his home, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on Aug. 22, 1945, in Rockford, Ill., son of the late Ingvar and Novella (Carlson) Hanson. Ronald graduated from East Rockford High School in 1963, where he excelled in football, baseball and track. He continued his education at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for one year and then transferred to North East Missouri in Kirksville, where he was a brother in Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. Ronald earned his degree in education with an emphasis in life sciences.

He worked for Rockford School District for two years and River Falls, Wis., for one year. Ronald taught for more than 30 years in Rhinelander at Rhinelander High School and James Williams Middle School and retired in 2003. In his teaching career at Rhinelander, he coached boys’ track and field and Destination Imagination.

Ronald was an avid fisherman, had a love for the outdoors which he shared with his family and was a very active participant as a leader in the Boy Scout Troop 597. He enjoyed working with his hands, loved carpentry and renovating and made his own fishing lures and rods. Ron was known for his great sense of humor. He especially loved his family and sharing conversations with them around the dinner table.

Ronald is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Bonnie Morrison, whom he married on June 23, 1977, in Nashville, Tenn .; three children, Troy, Ironwood, Tyler (Tanya), Wakefield, and Trisha (Brian West) Hanson, Woodruff, Wis .; a brother, Dennis (Linda), Rockford; an aunt, Vivian Esterbrook, Rockford; and many cousins.

A gathering will be held Saturday, July 20, from 1-4 p.m., at Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield to share stories and memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Regional Hospice Services Inc. or Regional Hospice, Pets Peace of Mind, 100 S. Mill St., Bessemer MI 49911.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at lakesidememorialchapel.com.