"Arlene, I am so sorry to read about your loss today. I've never met a more talented, kind, and well respected gentleman in all my life. Am so glad we got to see him when Paul came from Kiev a few years back. My deepest sympathy."
In loving memory of
Robert S. Hanson
April 9, 1922 - April 17, 2018
Stoughton- Robert "Bob" "Wabba" Hanson, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Milestone Senior Living Center. He was born on April 9, 1922 to Robert M. and Selma (Christopher) Hanson. Robert leaves behind his beloved wife Arlene (Ledenbach) Hanson, whom he married on July 3, 1945 at St. Frances de Chantal in New York the day after he received his commission in the U.S. Navy. He is further survived by his son, Peter (Kim) Hanson; sons-in-law, John Palumbo and Mark Donham; grandchildren, Christoffer (Sheila) Palumbo, Alex (Toni) Palumbo, Erik Palumbo, Katie Hanson, and Ryan (Sonali) Hanson MD; and great grandchildren, Nyla and Barrett Palumbo. In addition to his parents Robert was preceded in death by his cherished daughters, Susan Hanson and Kristi Hanson. He was so proud of their character and achievements. Robert enjoyed a full life, growing up in Stoughton, working in Chicago as a commercial artist and retiring to Stoughton where he had many friends. He graduated from Stoughton High School in 1940 and furthered his education at the UW-Madison until his schooling was interrupted with WWII when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Robert served on a patrol craft in the Caribbean. Upon discharge he returned to WI and graduated from UW-Madison in 1947. Roberts whole career was in Chicago in advertising art. However, his drawing board was always open at home where he did his fine art. He especially liked painting portraits. Robert and Arlene enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and abroad. The family was close and loving and shared many family vacations. He enjoyed downhill skiing in the West, sailing on Lake Michigan, golfing at the Stoughton Country Club and active sports with family and friends. Robert was a thoughtful, gentle and kind person. He will be missed by family and friends. A life well lived. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Christ Lutheran Church, 700 County Road B, Stoughton, with Rev. Paula Geister-Jones officiating. A luncheon will follow at church. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 AM until the time of services Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heartland Hospice Services, or Stoughton Senior Center. The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the staff at Milestone Senior Living for the care he received and to Lori and her team from Heartland Hospice for their extraordinary compassion and commitment to Bob and our entire family. Please share your memories of Robert by posting Tributes.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244
Tributes
"I knew Robert for about as long as Kristi and I were a couple. Kristi and I didn't always take the well worn path, and we didn't always make it as easy on ourselves as we could have. But, we were youthful, rebellious, and determined to find our own way. Looking back, I realize there were times it must have hard to watch us take a path that didn't always seem easy to understand. But Robert never interfered, never judged, always watchful to make sure we didn't fall (which for the most part we didn't), but always very gently and with support that you could feel was genuine, would simply say, "as long as you are happy with what you are doing." It was all we needed to hear. Simple words go a long way sometimes. I was interested in art before I met Kristi and her talented family. But when I met them, I felt overwhelmed but inspired. There was obviously something generational in the way the talent flowed so naturally from Robert and his offspring. The more that time went on, the more experience I gained in art, and the more that Kristi was able to show me Robert's work and career, the more I was to come to so deeply appreciate the skill, the master's eye, the calmness, the depth that his worked showed. And his personality was a perfect reflection of his art. He was so humble about what he could do. He was so non-judgmental of others. That's how Kristi and I wanted to be. He was a huge influence. I can never repay the generosity and support that Robert, Arlene and the whole family showed (and still do) toward Kristi and I. I can only say that I am proud to be included in a large extended family which has stayed strong through the most difficult of times. I will always make sure everyone I know is aware about these incredibly talented people that were so important in shaping my life. I will miss Robert like I miss my own father. They were both cut from the same cloth, although their talents were different. I am blessed to have known them. Rest in Peace Robert. The beauty that you left us will live on forever."
" So sorry to hear of Robert's passing. He was such a great and honest guy and very talented artist. Thinking of your family ~ Joan Tipple"
"Great memories of Bob at Fosdal's Home Bakery when he came in for coffee in the afternoon. He will truly be missed."
"Arlene and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of Wabe's passing. He lived a great life and I'm sure he and my Grandpa (Ralph Jacobsen) are already having cocktail hour, doing some golfing and catching up like old times...he was not alone when he crossed over, that is for sure. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Many hugs to you all. "