SUPERIOR

Merle H. Hanson, 90, of Superior, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at his residence.

He was born March 23, 1919 in Clam Falls, Wisconsin, son of Nealie and Dagny (Grytness) Hanson.

On June 8, 1941 in Center City, Minnesota, Merle H. Hanson and Frances R. Peterson were united in marriage.

Merle served with the U.S. Coast Guard in the South Pacific during WWII. He was awarded the American Theater, Asiatic, Philippine and Victory Ribbons.

Following the war, his work history included Fuller Brush, Hanson Builders and Fraser Shipyards Inc. He was a member of the Carpenters Local No. 361. He retired as a master carpenter from Fraser's. After remodeling the captain's quarters, Merle was invited to dine with the captain of the Edmund Fitzgerald, prior to her final voyage.

Merle was an avid flower and vegetable gardener. He enjoyed sharing both of these hobbies with his children and grandchildren. Many have been blessed by his excellent carpentry skills. He was always ready to put them to use for anyone in need. He will be sadly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Preceding him in death were his parents; step-mother, Lavone Swanson; brothers, Wesley and Dewey Hanson; step-sister, Pearl Hirsch; and step-brother, Richard Hanson.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Frances; son, Darrell (Linda) Hanson, Jacksonville, Florida; daughters, Sherry (Doug) Lantis, Dawn (Mike) Conley, Nancy (Ken) Monforton, all of Atlanta, Georgia, Lynn (Dave) Hudacek, Debbie Hanson and Tammy (Tim) Tomzak, all of Superior; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Eldora Brown, Webster, WI, and Delores Crownhart, Fayetteville, PA; step-sister, Delores (Steve) Malec, Gulf Shores, Alabama; cousins, Violet Beckmark, Lyla Dolan and Shirley Hansen; many nieces and nephews; and two very special caregivers, Kathy Hallberg and Phyllis Blackwood.

The visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2010 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, and will resume at 11 a.m. until the noon service Saturday, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren, Wisconsin. Reverend Curt Vanderstelt, pastor of North Bay Community Church, Superior, will officiate.

The active and honorary pallbearers will be Merle's grandsons.

Interment will take place at the Lewis Cemetery, Lewis, Wisconsin, later this year.

If you would like to send condolences or sign the online guest book, please visit www.downsfh.com.