Gertrude Hanson

Gertrude Arlene Hanson, age 88, of Pleasant Prairie, WI, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014. Gertrude was born on the family farm June 14, 1925, to the late Hanford and Lily (Iverson) Sparks near Tomahawk, WI. She grew up there and graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1943. Gertrude married Francis O. Hanson on November 22, 1951, and lived in Zion, IL, for over fifty years before moving to Pleasant Prairie, WI, in 2004. Gertrude enjoyed knitting, crocheting and gardening. She also loved reading, starting her day reading Bible devotions. Above all, Gertrude was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Gertrude loved watching her family grow and thrive. She was a strong woman in her quiet way. Survivors include her children, Ellen (Larry) LaBelle, step-daughter Mina (John) Pleuss, daughter-in-law, Sharon Hanson, Deborah (John) Potocek, Wayne (Jeannie) Hanson, Jane (Paul) DeCesaro, and Rob (Laura) Hanson; grandchildren, Dennis (Leah) LaBelle, Darrin (Sarah) LaBelle, Michelle (David) Jones, Kristina (Tim) Jones, Erik Hanson, Laura (Chad) Freund, David Potocek, Joshua (Kolleen) Huster, Ryan (Casey) Huster, Nikki Huster, Danielle Huster, Brian DeCesaro, Amanda DeCesaro, Dani DeCesaro, Jayson DeCesaro; great-grandchildren, Brice (Colleen), Logan (Leighana), Noah, Kendra, Allie, Asher, Cassie, Courtney, Andrew, Kaden, Matthew, Christian, Dominic, Lila, Charlie, and Lily; great-great-grandson Evan; sister, Bernice Klos; and brother, George (Kathleen) Sparks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis; her son, Ralph; and her siblings Irene, Harlow, Lloyd, and Marjorie. Visitation will be Thursday, May 8, 2014, from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. at CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m., Pastor James Wychers officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Memorial donations are suggested to a charity of your choice.