John "Bird" Hanson

John C. Hanson RACINE-John Charles Hanson, age 71, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2015, at Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of WI due to heart failure. John, known to his friends as ‘Bird,’ was born May 19, 1944, in Racine, the youngest son of Ralph and Alice Hanson. John married his wife Sharon in 1975, who survives him along with their two daughters, Laura and Jennifer, both of Milwaukee, WI; his son-in-law Justin Williams and his grandsons Jaedin and Marshall John. He is also survived by one brother Bill Hanson and Janice O’Rourke of Eagle, WI; his sister-in-law Mary Hanson of Elkhorn, WI; three nephews and four nieces, three great nephews, five great nieces and many faithful friends who loved him during his life. Also surviving him are all of his South Dakota relatives. John was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brothers Alan and Bob Hanson, and his father-in-law, Frank Fisher. John attended Sacred Heart Catholic School; St. Catherine's High School; M.A.T.C. and the University of WI, Oshkosh. He spent his whole life in Racine, and made lifelong friends from the neighborhood on Spring Street where he grew up, as well as at Sacred Heart, St. Cat’s, his card games, fishing trips and golfing. In 1966 he was drafted into the United States Army and served until 1968. In January, 1969, he was hired to work for the City of Racine Health Department. From 1972 until 1985 he was Director of Air Pollution Control for Racine County. In 1985, he moved to the Racine County Department of Planning and Zoning, and in 1993 he graduated from UW - Parkside with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. John retired from Racine County Public Service in 2000 and enjoyed his golden years golfing, traveling to golf and watching golf on television. In addition to his love of golf, John never missed a chance to spend time with his wife and daughters, or his namesake, Marshall John, whom he affectionately nicknamed, “Little Buddy.” He loved going for a drive, stopping for a sandwich with friends or family, and musicals. An avid sports fan, John religiously followed all Wisconsin sports from high school to professional, especially the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers. John was a generous, selfless and kindhearted man who will be deeply missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave. on Friday, October 2, 2015 at twelve noon. There will be a visitation at Sturino Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. and will continue on Friday at church from 11 a.m. until 11: 45 a.m. John will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Graceland Cemetery.

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John "Bird" Hanson

May 19, 1944 - September 24, 2015