James D. Hansen

James “Jim” Hansen, passed away on March 27, 2023, at Renaissance Assisted Living in Weston, WI after a brief stay in the hospital. 

Jim was born on June 20, 1929, in New Lisbon, WI.  He grew up on a small dairy farm with his parents Viggo and Amelia Hansen, his sister Arlis and his brother Clayton.  Jim loved farm life and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, and a Master’s Degree in Animal Husbandry, at UW Madison.  He also served in the Navy on the USS Maddox as a lieutenant.  He married Gladys Billings on Sep 12, 1953, in Camp Douglas, WI and they had two children, Tim and Jeanne.

Jim was a full professor at UW Madison, working as the Manitowoc County Dairy Agent for 30 years.  He loved his work, and the integrity and work ethic of the farm families he met.  He said he never felt like he had a job because he loved every aspect of what he did.  Jim loved and cared very much about his family.  He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren and asked about them whenever he had a chance. And they loved him.  He was affectionately nicknamed “Jimmy Pajamas” by Merritt, his first great grandchild. 

Jim and Gladys moved to Valders in 1957, built a new house in 1965 and lived there until the fall of 2022.  They loved their life in Valders and their friends at Faith Lutheran Church.  Jim was active in the community, serving as church president and school board president. 

Jim is survived by his wife Gladys; children and grandchildren: Tim and Linda Hansen; Elliot Hansen and Megan Kirsh; Greg and Jeanne Willems; Ted, Jen, Merritt, Griffin, Everett and Kitt Willems; and Maggie, Jeff, Molly and Paige Picker.  His granddaughter, Marta Hansen, preceded him in death in 2017.

Dad was always happy, grateful, kind and thoughtful.  We will miss his positive spirit.

The family would like to thank Carol from Renaissance Assisted Living, and Alane and Lori from St. Croix Hospice, for their quick and compassionate transition into hospice care. We would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Renaissance.  Their kind treatment of Dad meant a lot to us. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are appreciated and will be given to the Salvation Army. 

A funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church, 255 Roosevelt Street in Valders WI.  The Rev. Kim Henning will officiate.  Relatives and friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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