"Every once in a while I thought about mrs. Hansen. That is how I knew her when I was a kid. She was always kind to me and that memory is my treasured memory of her. I haven't seen her since the mid 1970s but she always had a place in my heart from her kindness when I was a kid. I'm sorry for your loss and just wanted to let you know it takes a village to raise kids and your mom was a great member of our Eastside village. Thanks, your former neighbor and friend Tom Willan "
In loving memory of
Donna Lou Hansen
February 13, 1936 - February 2, 2019
With God's grace, Donna Lou Hansen passed away at Oak Park Place in Madison on February 2, 2019, eleven days shy of her 83rd birthday.
She was born Donna Lou Schmidt in Beaver Dam on February 13, 1936, the daughter of Rosa (Blum) and Elmer Schmidt of Fox Lake, Wisconsin.
Her earliest years were spent growing up on a dairy farm helping with the cows, hoeing in the garden, gathering eggs, and trying to dress the cats. She attended Country School #10 in Trenton Township, Dodge County. She graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in 1953 and attended Spencerian College in Milwaukee. She worked at Green Giant Canning Factory in Fox Lake and at Northwest Mutual Insurance Company in Milwaukee. She lived in Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, and then settled in Madison, Wisconsin while raising her four children.
Believing in Jesus Christ as her Savior, Donna was a member of Eastside Ev. Lutheran Church, attending since the days of its original North Street location. She formed valued friendships at the church.
In the early 70's, Donna volunteered at the Madison General Hospital (now Unity Point Meriter) Coffee Shop and soon was hired on as an employee. She retired as Coffee Shop Coordinator in 1999. Donna also served as a City of Madison Election official for many years.
Later in life, she treasured the enduring connections with the cousins with whom she grew up, and she cherished the smiles of her four grandchildren.
Donna enjoyed traveling, attended numerous Lutheran Women's Missionary Society conventions, and visited Canada, Japan, Israel, New York, Hawaii, California, and Ohio. She was strong, independent, optimistic, and funny. Donna wished to be remembered for her laughter and wanted to share a life lesson--it is better to be an easy-going person. Her wishes were to be cremated with the remains in repose in Lyndhurst, OH.
Donna is survived by her daughters Carrie Hansen of Lyndhurst, OH and Marie (Erol) Hosdil of Steubenville, OH; son Morton Jr. (Michelle) Hansen of Waterloo, WI; and grandchildren Tess Polando, Spencer Polando, Kwamai Hosdil, and Felicity Hosdil. She is preceded in death by her daughter Bonnie Shaw, parents, her beloved sister Shirley van Buren, and several cousins.
The family wishes to thank the staffs of Elmcroft of Madison, Agrace HospiceCare and Oak Park Place for the care and kindness.
Visitation will be from 10-11:00 AM on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Eastside Ev. Lutheran Church, 2310 Independence Lane, Madison, WI 53704 with a memorial service to begin at 11:00 AM.
Cress Funeral Service
3325 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608-249-6666