Thomas R. Hanson

May 7, 1931 - May 5, 2012

Thomas R. Hanson, 80, died Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Arcadia Assisted Living in Beaver Dam.

Visitation for Tom will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 311 W. Mackie Street in Beaver Dam, on Friday, May 11 from 9:00 AM until 10:50 AM; the Dodge County Masonic Lodge #72 will conduct a fraternal service at 9:00 AM on Friday at church. A Memorial service will follow at church on Friday beginning at 11:00 AM with Pastor Mark Jensen officiating. Inurnment will be held at Highland Memory Gardens at a later date.

Thomas Rudolph Hanson was born on May 7, 1931 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Olaf Rudolph & Johanna (Handberg) Hanson. Tom was the Valedictorian of his Durand High School class of 1949. He continued his education at UW-Madison, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy, graduating in 1954. During his time there he had joined Sigma Nu Fraternity, and was also enrolled in the ROTC program. He used his training to serve in the Army Medical Service Corps, in Texas, Colorado, and ultimately in Korea, from 1955-1957. He continued his service in the Army Reserve in LaCrosse, retiring as a Captain.

On September 5, 1953, Tom was united in marriage with Rita Steves at St. Paul”s Lutheran Church in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Tom and Rita moved to Beaver Dam in 1961, and in the early 70”s, purchased Langmack”s Drug Store with Carl Johnson, operating it until 1989. After that, he worked at Beaver Dam Hospital for about ten years, and, in retirement, served as a relief Pharmacist in the area. Ultimately, he spent 25 years as a preceptor for Pharmacy students, and was proud to have served 50 years as a Registered Pharmacist.
His service to Beaver Dam wasn”t limited to the Pharmacy profession. He was a member and Past Master of the Dodge County Lodge #72 FAM in Beaver Dam, and also a member of the Consistory Valley in Madison. He was a member of Noon Kiwanis Club, served as a Board Member of New Beginnings Homeless Shelter, and was a long-time member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. He joined the Saturday Men”s Bible Breakfast Group, ushered, helped Rita with her Altar Guild duties, served 11 years in the bell choir, and also was on the Building Fund Committee and the Church Council. Tom loved antique cars, and for 15 years he judged the antiques at the Father”s Day Auto Show. Community involvement was important to Tom; he was a Scout Master, taught Sunday School, and played in the City Band.

Tom Hanson is survived by his wife Rita Hanson of Beaver Dam; two sons, Steve (Marilu) Hanson of Mukwonago, and John Hanson (FiancAC.e Lori Uttech) of Madison; four grandchildren, Jackie Hanson, Emily Hanson, Stephanie Hanson, and Brian Hanson, all of Madison; his sister, Joan Erickson of Beaver Dam; other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter-in-law, Jody Hanson, and brothers-in-law, Jerry Erickson and Ray Steves.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam or to the charity of one”s choice.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 East Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Visitation Details

Friday, May 11th, 2012, 9:00am – 10:45am, First Ev. Lutheran Church-Beaver Dam

Service Details

Friday, May 11th, 2012, 11:00am, First Ev. Lutheran Church-Beaver Dam

Interment Details

Highland Memory Gardens-Beaver Dam

Thomas R. Hanson, 80, died Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Arcadia Assisted Living in Beaver Dam. Visitation for Tom will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 311 W. Mackie Street in Beaver Dam, on Friday, May 11 from 9:00 AM until 10:50 AM; the Dodge County Masonic Lodge #72 will conduct a fraternal serviceContinue Reading

See Condolences

Bev and family,
Please accept my condolences during this difficult time. We will keep you in prayer.

We were saddened to learn of Chet's passing. May your favorite memories bring you comfort and lift up your heavy hearts. Godspeed Chet. With deepest sympathy. Hugh & Pamela Zwieg, Barrington, Illinois.

Oh Bev, just read this about Chet. I'm so, so sorry. Fred will be heartbroken when I tell him, if he hasn't heard already. I remember him saying he spoke with Chet last Friday at dialysis, the last time before his schedule change. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time, and with sincere deepest sympathy.

I worked with Tom (Mr. Hanson) at Langmack''s. It was my first job & I was 16. He was always so nice and had a friendly smile on his face. My prayers are with his family. Chris

Dear Hanson Family, Our sincere sympathy to you in your loss. Tom was a good guy and I have lots of good memories of him at the old Langmack''s store on Front Street. In his latter years, he often stopped me to share thoughts about items I''d written in my column. His kindnesses were very much appreciated. I have nice memories of my associations with the Hanson family!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I worked with Tom (Mr. Hanson) at Langmack''s. It was my first job & I was 16. He was always so nice and had a friendly smile on his face. My prayers are with his family. Chris

We send our love and support to the Hanson family. I have many fond memories of being welcomed into your home with kindness and laughter. My hope is that when you think of your husband and father you will always be reminded of the many great memories and good times that you shared with him. Warmly, Pete Sorensen

My sincere sympathies to the family of Tom Hanson. I am a Mason in Waupun and on many occasions Tom & I "Raised" a brother Mason. It was a pleasure to work with Tom as he was a Master at what he did. Sincerely, RDick Peters

I never met Tom, but I started to know him thru one of his sons. I learned he was in the military, he worked at the hospital and I also learned he was a mason. I am sure he was a great family person and friend. Thoughts and prayers to the whole family and friends.

Dear Rita, Steve and John, I am very sorry to hear about he loss of Tom, I remember him well growing up just down the street on Healy Avenue in Beaver Dam. John graduated with me at BDHS and we used to ride mini-bikes together. I now live in Mukwonago as well Steve with my wife and children. May God comfort you all in this time of need.

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. For many years Langmacks was our family''s pharmacy for during whicb a good part of that time I was a child. I always felt after listening to Tom and Carl''s banter between them and with the customers that we had just had a visit with good friends.

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rita & Family, You are in our thoughts & prayers during these most difficult days. Tom will be missed by many as he touched so many lives in such special ways. Our condolences, Linda & Wayne Ruby Durango, Colorado

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.