Roy William Hanson, a devoted father and cherished friend, passed away on October 20, 2026, at the age
of 84. Known for his gentle spirit and dry humor, Roy brought warmth, quiet wit, and joy to everyone he
met.
Roy was born to Tilman and Mable Hanson on October 27, 1941, at home in rural Pigeon Falls. He was
incredibly proud of his Norwegian heritage; he loved to speak a Norwegian greeting and watch people’s
reactions to see if they knew what he said. Roy attended Whitehall Memorial High School, graduating with
the class of 1960. Immediately following graduation, Roy enlisted in the Army Reserves. He went on to
further his education at Chippewa Valley Technical School (CVTC), completing the Electrician program.
He spent his life working hard as both an electrician and a farmer. He worked alongside his father on the
family farm as well as opening his own business, Roy Hanson Electric. His hard work and expertise were
formally recognized by CVTC in 2010 when he received his Master Electrician designation. Roy was a
well-known electrician across Jackson and Trempealeau Counties, continuing to work right up until his
passing. If you live in the greater Pigeon Falls area, it is highly likely “Roy Hanson” is written in
permanent marker on your circuit breaker box.
The Hanson farm used Oliver tractors, and through the years, Roy not only used them to do field work but
loved to buy, fix, and restore them. He loved to spot an old Oliver in the weeds somewhere and see if he
could buy it for his next project. He could almost always be found on the Hanson Farm, spending hours
working in the shop alongside Arn, Shay, and Gavin, where generations of Hanson men have taught and
learned from each other how to fix and build almost anything.
An avid outdoorsman, Roy loved everything about hunting and fishing. In his earlier years, he spent his
time coon hunting, and throughout his life, he loved scouting the perfect spot for his next deer stand and
casting a line. He was also an active member of the York-Northfield Rod & Gun Club. He especially loved
heading up North to get ready for bear hunting season; his bear hunting family was like a second family to
him, and he was truly in his element when outdoors with them.
Above all else, family was the most important thing to Roy. He loved nothing more than attending family
functions, surrounding himself with the people he loved, and he was always happy to be photographed to
capture those cherished moments together. He was very proud of Jackie and Arn and his 7 grandchildren,
who brought immense joy to his life.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Tilman and Mable Hanson, and his brother-in-law, Everette
Herness.
His legacy lives on through his sister, Mary Jane Herness; his children, Arn Hanson (Kristina) and Jackie
Krszjzaniek (Jason); his three grandsons, Cole Hanson, Shay Hanson, and Gavin Hanson; his four
granddaughters, Brielle Lien (Austin), Jayden Krszjzaniek (Jacob), Addison Hanson, and Liliana Hanson;
his nephews, Eric (Kate) Herness, Todd (Cindy) Herness, Nels (Michelle) Herness, and their families; as
well as a multitude of close friends.
Service Details
Visitation: Friday, October 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Noon) at Peace Lutheran Church
of Pigeon Falls.
Church Service & Luncheon: A funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM at Peace Lutheran Church,
with a luncheon to follow immediately afterward.
Burial: Interment will take place in the Pigeon Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery.