Obituary for Willliam "Bill" Hansen

William E. Hansen of Bangor, Wis., passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026. He was born January30, 1935, in the town of Bangor, to Ervin and Orma (Burbach) Hansen. Bill attended Upper Dutch Creek School for 5 years and then St. Peter’s School in Middle Ridge, grades 6-8. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. In 1953, he graduated from Bangor High School.

In June 1953, the family home burned to the ground with all family members escaping safely. As he was needed at home to help with farm work and rebuilding, he remained at home and then was employed at the Farmer’s Creamery in Bangor for 2 years until he was drafted into the US Army in May 1957. He spent one of his two years of active duty in Germany. He participated in the active reserve for two years and was honorably discharged after two years of standby reserves while working as a groundskeeper near La Crosse.

He then enrolled at UW-La Crosse and earned his bachelor’s degree in social work in 1976. During this time, he worked for UW-Extension La Crosse County. He worked with the Expanded Food and Nutrition and the 4-H programs until his retirement in 1997. He was a 4-H volunteer for 65 years enjoying working with local youth in exploring, gardening, flowers, house plants and poultry areas. He served a term as President of the La Crosse County 4-H Leaders Association and was elected to serve on the State 4-H Leaders Council for two years. He was awarded County Honors from the National Alumni Program. Other honors received include “We Salute” La Crosse Tribune Award, Distinguished Service from La Crosse Farm Bureau, Friend of the Fair Pet Bard, Friend of La Crosse 4-H Leaders award, Business Associate of the Year, Bangor Summer Fest 1997 Parade Marshall, Recognition of Performance Achievement Award 1994 for 21 years of public service – Exception Work Performance Demonstrating “The Best of Public Service” from the La Crosse County Board, 10-year service from Department of Agriculture and appreciation from the La Crosse Kiwanis Noon Club Bill was a Certified Master Gardener and judged many area county fairs. His favorite area to judge was Plant and Soil Science. He was a charter member of the Bangor Lions Club. As a member of St. Mary Catholic Parish in Bangor, WI, he served on the Pastoral and Financial Councils and the Celebration Committee. He also provided flowers and fall decorations for St. Mary and St. Leo (St. Teresa of Kolkata) Catholic Churches.

Bill enjoyed friends, family, fishing, animals, birds, walking, gardening, bowling, and visiting area shut ins. His roadside flowers were enjoyed by many people passing by his home. In May 2020, after 40 years, he sold his home on three acres on County B, West Salem and moved to Bangor.

Survivors include brothers, Stanley Hansen of Sparta, WI, James (Clarice) Hansen of Bangor, and Douglas Hansen of Prescott, WI; sisters-in-law, Darlene Hansen and Barbara Hansen, both of West Salem, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Domonic, David, Ronald, and Patrick; sisters-in-law, Janet Hansen and Virginia Hansen; 3 nephews, Michael, Paul and Kevin; and one great-nephew, Michael Young.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on July 18, 2026, at St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish, 210 Hamlin St., West Salem. Msgr. Jeffrey Burrill will celebrate the Mass. Burial with military honors will be held in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Middle Ridge.

Friends may call from 9:30 a.m., until 10:30 a.m., July 18th, at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Peter’s Parish - Middle Ridge, St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish -West Salem, Bangor First Responders, or Bangor Sunshine on the Trail.

Online condolences may be offered to Bill's family at this site.