Ramona T. Hanson, 94, of Wittenberg, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center-Weston.
Ramona was born on August 4, 1931, to A.N. and Elithe (Chapin) Brunner. Raised in Leopolis, she attended local elementary schools before graduating from Marion High School. She continued her education at UW-Madison, where she served as president of her sorority, competed as an Alice in Dairyland finalist, and earned her bachelor's degree.
On August 21, 1954, Ramona married Roger Hanson at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Leopolis.
Ramona began her career teaching high school English in Tigerton and later worked as a substitute teacher in Wittenberg. Alongside her husband, Roger, she co-founded and operated Hanson Sanitation & Excavating, Inc.
Even while co-managing a business, Ramona was deeply involved in her community.
She served on the local school board, the Homme Home for the Aging board, and the Holy Family parish council. She was also instrumental in developing a residential subdivision in Wittenberg. Ramona possessed a vibrant personal life; she loved playing the piano and encouraged her grandchildren to play. She also enjoyed bridge parties, reading, discussing politics, and was one of the first female golf members at Maple Hills.
Her remarkable work ethic was evident well into her later years-she tended a garden for decades and was still mowing her own lawn at age 93.
Ramona was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger Hanson, on June 4, 2022, and her infant son, Joseph Hanson.
Ramona is survived by three sons: Steve (Jane) Hanson of Marathon City, Stuart (Lynne) Hanson of Eland, and Eric (Kay) Hanson of Rocklin, CA; 10 grandchildren:
Nick, Angie, Brian, Jason, Jeremy, Nicole, Keegan, Carl, Evan, and Megan; 20 great-grandchildren; and one expected great-great-grandchild.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wittenberg. Father Mark Rydell will preside, with burial to follow at Forest Home Cemetery, Wittenberg.
Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared online at schmidtschulta.com.
