Ronald Bruce Hanson
Ronald Bruce Hanson
Jan.14, 1941 - Feb. 23, 2026
Ronald was born to Kermit and Louise Hanson Jan. 14, 1941, in Black River Falls, WI. He has one sister, Jeanne Clark, of La Crosse, WI.
Ron married the love of his life of 62 years, Brenda (Johnson) Hanson June 15, 1963, at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls. Together they raised their family in Arlington Heights, IL, - a place they called home for 40 years. Their children, Missy Bo-Hansen (Erik) and Matt Hanson (Carrie), along with their grandchildren, Molly, Carly and Gunnar Bo-Hansen; and Grace and Julia Hanson, filled his life and his heart.
Ron - also known as Red Dog or Dogger - graduated University of Wisconsin Madison in 1963 and went on to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he became an executive recruiter to the insurance industry for 40 years in Arlington Heights. Upon retirement, he and Brenda moved back to their hometown of Black River Falls.
Ron loved life. He spent much time at the family cabin in Hatfield, WI, on Lake Arbutus. Boating with his children and grandchildren gave him incredible joy. Teaching his kids, nieces and nephew (and then his great-nieces and great-nephews) to water ski as well as sipping cocktails while cruising around the water are some of our family’s fondest memories. Hatfield and Black River Falls proved to be the perfect place for Ron to go deer hunting and golfing over the years, and, of course, also the spot he could be found beating EVERYONE at Bean Bags when he was partnered with his brother-in-law, Paul Hanson. The table in their home always had a card game going with Ron’s favorites: cribbage, poker, and euchre.
Red Dog was an avid sports fan. He played high school football and basketball where he was co-captain. Over the years, he could often be heard telling stories and reliving his glory days. He cheered on his alma mater, University of Wisconsin Badgers. He loved the Green Bay Packers (many family members had to forgive him for this). He also rooted for the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Cubs.
Ron passed Feb. 23, 2026, in Arlington Heights surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, Elmo and Alice Johnson; and his adored sister-in-law, Barbara Hanson.
A service will be held at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at Castle Hill Supper Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ron’s memory to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Black River Falls, WI.