Gordon R. Hanson, 78, of Sparta died Thursday, August 28, 2008 in his home with his family by his side. He was born on August 17, 1930 in Melvina, Wisconsin to Edwin and Agnes (Erickson) Hanson.

     He married the former Lorraine E. Gronemus on July 27, 1953 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Pine Hollow.

     Gordon was a truck driver for various companies along with being a bar owner of Sparta Pool and Tap, and Club 16 for many years. Gordon enjoyed fishing, playing cards, gardening, and listening to old time music.

     He was a loving dad, brother, grandpa, great grandpa, and uncle.

     He is survived by a son, Edwin (Peggy) Hanson of Sparta, two daughters, Jane (Kevin) Foss of Sparta, Lisa (David) Johnson of Sparta; two brothers, Raymond Hanson of Sparta, Richard (Donna) Hanson of Sparta; 11 grandchildren, Jenny (Steve) Gordee, Christina (Darrell) Maack, Curt Hanson, Edwin J. (Stephanie) Hanson Jr., Chad, and Heather Schreier, Shannon (Tim) Peterson, Brittany Foss, Mark, Michael, and Megan Kinserdahl; six great grandchildren, Natalie, Madison, Brooklyn, Brennan, Brayden, and Hayden; four step grandchildren, Sara Maack, Jamie, Josh, and Katy Johnson; two step great grandchildren, Dominic, and Riley Johnson; many  nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lorraine on April 23, 2006; five sisters, Elverda Anderson, Ivadelle Suhr, Junella Caulum, Vessie Westby, Marlene Watters; two brothers, Lavern and Albion Hanson.

     Memorial services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta with Reverend Randy Larson officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery with full military honors provided by the American Legion Post 100 and the Cashton V.F.W.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Monday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements.