Donna Hanson, 92, of rural Waterford, was born into eternal life on Oct. 4, 2025. A cherished family matriarch, devoted follower of Jesus, and valued friend and neighbor, she will be remembered as a kind, competent, and loyal carer and builder of community.
Donna Mae, born June 29, 1933, to Johnalbert and Esther Malchine, had an older sister Joan Mary and younger brother John Lee. She was baptized and confirmed at Norway Lutheran Church. She attended Col. Heg Grade School and graduated from Waterford High School in 1951.
Donna married Donald “Duke” Hanson on June 20, 1953 at the old Norway church on the hill, moving to the Hanson farm three miles away where she lived for the next 72 years. She loved raising their kids, Jim, Karen, and David, on the Hanson farm. She served her church and community through teaching high school Sunday School, hosting lutefisk dinners, leading Norway 4-H, and in many and various ways.
Donna was fond of music, travel, rosemaling, and hardanger embroidery. She enjoyed her front porch, birdsong, her beautiful flower garden, and her great-grandchildren.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband Duke and her son David Hanson, her parents and siblings, and many beloved relatives and friends.
She is survived by Jim and Sue Hanson, Karen Hanson and Kathleen Fjelstul, and Deanna Hanson and Scott Smith; Alex and Kristin, Beau and Otto Hanson; Erik and Payton, Madden and Lennon Hanson; sister-in-law Doris Malchine, brother-in-law Bill Hanson, many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, Oct. 9, at Norway Lutheran Church in Wind Lake.
Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Hanson family. For on-line condolences, please visit www.stencelfh.com.
