Richard Erling Hanson

Richard “Bud” Erling Hanson, age 90, of Gleason, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Tomahawk Health Services in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. He was born on June 15, 1932 to the late Oscar and Isabelle (Lemmer) Hanson in Merrill, Wisconsin. Bud was married to Catherine Johnson, the mother of his children, who survives on May 28, 1955. And later married Loretta Pommerening on September 7, 1995 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

From January 14, 1953 to November 24, 1954, Bud served in the US Army during the Korean War as a gunner and truck driver. During his time in the service, Bud was awarded the Korean Service Ribbon, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

Bud was a farmer, carpenter and a logger using a team of Belgian horses. He was a great storyteller, who loved hunting, picking berries, and old tractors. He enjoyed going to horse pulls, auctions and steam shows. A favorite pastime of his was driving his Jeep in the woods. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren taking them on adventures and telling stories.

Throughout his life, Bud helped many friends and family with horses, tree removals, fixing things, making firewood and roads. He was a friend and Uncle Buddy to many and will be missed dearly.

Bud is survived by his wife, Loretta Hanson, children: Richard “Mike” (Beth Ann) Hanson, Timothy (Cindy) Hanson, Daniel (Diane) Hanson, Jeffrey (Jill) Hanson, Julie (Scott) Olund, and Theresa (Scott) Swiechowski, step-son: Paul (Kim) Everson, grandchildren: Dustin (Kenneth), Chase (Elise), Matthew, Sarah, Carly (Josh),  Michaela (Ethan), Nathan (Jeanne), Janelle (Curtis), Weston, Treed, Shelby (Keith), Tristan, Bryce, Faith, Troy (Elly), Jenah, and Aimee (Jon), step-grandchild: Ryan (Sarah), 13 great grandchildren with one on the way, sister: Patricia Hopper, sister-in-laws: Barbara Hanson (Ole) and Patricia Hanson (Oscar "Pinky") and former wife Catherine Ladwig.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Ole and Oscar “Pinky” Hanson, and sisters: Grace Barney, Betty Lemke, and Isabelle Chamberlain.

The family wishes to thank the VA home based primary care team, Aspirus Hospice and Tomahawk Health Services for all their care and compassion they showed Bud and his family.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Waid Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 11:00 am until the time of service also at the funeral home. Chaplain Michele Rein will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Bud to the Honor Flight, Veterans Administration and/or the Merrill Historical Society.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.