H. Robert Hanson

H. Robert “Bob” Hanson, age 97, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems Hospital in Eau Claire.

Bob was born on November 20, 1927 at home on the farm in the town of Woodmohr, to Harry E. and Clara (Mullen) Hanson. He attended Bloomer High School and graduated with the Class of 1945.

Bob honorably served his country in the US Army. He took basic training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and then was shipped overseas to Yokohama, Japan. He was assigned to the Judge Advocate Quarters at the 8th Army Headquarters and wrote reports for military trials in the courthouse. Bob was honorably discharged in 1948.

Bob attended UW-Madison and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Animal and Dairy Science. While working on his Master’s Degree, Bob studied with the professor who implemented adding vitamin D to milk. On December 18, 1954, Bob made “the best decision in his life” and married Sylvia “Kay” Kalow. He worked hard on the family farm and cherished spending time with his whole family. He loved the simple things in life: going to The Valley, church on Sundays, snuggling babies, pushing the swing for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cheering on the Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packers.

He was a member of the American Legion, Bloomer School Board, People’s State Bank Board, Wisconsin Alumni Association, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the Scandinavian Cemetery Association.

Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years: Kay Hanson; his children: Elizabeth (Tom) Culver, Peter (Joyce) Hanson, Laura Hanson and Ann Hanson; 9 grandchildren: Krista (Aaron) Hass, Erik (Simone) Culver, Rachel Culver, Theresa Hanson, Jennifer (Scott) Conzemius, Patricia (Steve) Eder, Paul (Breanne) Hanson, Kathryn (Preston) Vahlenkamp and Emily Freagon; and 13 great-grandchildren: Carson, Dayne, Bentley, Braxton, Olivia, Cayden, Clara, Sylvia, Emmalyn, Eleanor, Sydney, Sierra, and Everett.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Harry and Clara Hanson; sisters: Doris Blum and Helen Freng.

Visitation will be from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bloomer. A Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the Bloomer American Legion and VFW. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at the Valley Tavern. Private family burial will be held at a later date at the Scandinavian Cemetery in the town of Woodmohr. Please direct memorials to the Bloomer Area Veteran’s Center, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or the Scandinavian Cemetery.