On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Harold “Butch” Riley Hanson, Jr. of Onalaska, Wisconsin, reunited with his beautiful wife, Judy, in Heaven. Butch passed away peacefully at Mayo Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin with family by his side after a short journey with lung cancer. 

Harold “Butch” Riley Hanson, Jr. was born on May 9, 1945 in Beaver Dam, WI to Harold “Hap” Riley Hanson, Sr. and Rachel Ella (Samuelson) Hanson. After the loss of their mother, Butch’s family grew in the best way possible when his dad married Margaret Cassell. Alongside his two older sisters, he welcomed two brothers who became his lifelong friends, and a step-sister. Butch enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 29, 1962, just before his senior year of high school. He received his GED, trained as an electrician in San Diego and attended submarine school in New London, CT. He went on to serve aboard the USS Tigrone (SS-419) and USS Thornback (SS-418), before wrapping up his sea duty on the USS Van Voorhis (DE-1028) out of Newport, RI. During his service, he married then welcomed his first daughter, Dawn. After his honorable discharge on August 28, 1968, he and his wife divorced. Returning to civilian life, Butch worked as an electrician at GE in DeKalb, IL, for Stokely Van Camp in Rochelle, IL, and in West Chicago, IL, he worked as the sole laborer alongside a crew of 27 carpenters. In Rochelle, he met the love of his life, Judith Kay Beardin. They married on October 3, 1970. Butch and Judy had two daughters, Hope and Kimberly. He used to help Judy’s father, Al, in the fall, catching corn from the combine. He moved his family to Elk Grove Village to work for a machine tool rebuilder, designing and wiring electrical panels, and doing the machine wiring. Butch eventually settled his family in Onalaska, WI to be near his father, who retired in Wauzeka, WI. Butch worked as an electrician at Trane Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, before retiring in April 2005 at the age of 60. 

Butch is survived by his daughters, Dawn (Edwin) Fernandez, Hope Rachel (Robert) Burchell, Kimberly (Randy) Strangstalien; grandchildren, Graham Hanson, Chamara (Ken) Cook, Julian Finch, Tanner (Jena) Burchell, Meredith (Ben) Hamilton, Dawson Burchell, Hannah Eitland, and Holly Eitland; great-grandchildren, Kameron, Noah, Nolan, Koraleigh, Nathaniel, with a sixth great-grandchild on the way. He is further survived by his sister, Anita Hanson, and brother, William Hanson; niece, Heather Renee (Baron) Whitman, and nephew Harold Hanson; step-sister Kathy Ainger and her three children. His loved ones will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy, parents, Rachel and Harold Hanson, step mother, Margaret, sister, Mary Ann Lee, brother, Harry Steven Hanson, brother-in-law Don Lee, sister-in-law Audrey Hanson, sister-in-law Kris Hanson, and step-brother-in-law George Ainger. 

Butch always said his greatest accomplishments were his children, grandchildren, and soon-to-be six great-grandchildren. While he will be remembered for his spirited and opinionated nature, his true legacy is one of hard work, loyalty, and boundless love. A quick-witted, master storyteller with a magnetic charm and warm smile, he could find joy in the smallest moments and had a tale for every occasion. If Butch loved you, you felt it deeply; he would do absolutely anything for his friends and family, consistently putting family first. He and Judy cherished their time traveling, reading, and enjoying each other’s company, especially when sharing moments with their grandchildren. Butch also looked forward to occasional target practice and was a proud Endowment Life Member of the NRA, as well as a devoted Chicago Bears fan. We will forever miss his big heart, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of humor.

Family and friends are welcome at the Celebration of Life for Butch Hanson on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Struck-Klandrud American Legion Post 336 in Onalaska, WI. A private family burial will take place at a later date. 

The family is deeply grateful for the love, support, and kindness shown by our friends and neighbors over the past few months while Butch needed a little extra care. Also, a special thanks to Brian, his home health nurse, and the staff at Mayo Clinic Health System for their compassion during his last days. The Coulee Region Cremation Group, Onalaska, is assisting the family with arrangements.