Lester John Hanson

Lester J. “Les” Hanson, 87, of Medford, died Saturday, October 9, 2021 at home surrounded by his family and while under the care of Hope Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m, Thursday, October 14, 2021 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford with Rev. Amy Heinz officiating.  Military honors given by the Medford Area Military Honors Team will take place immediately after the service at the church.  Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Ogema. 

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.  

Lester was born October 12, 1933 in Rib Lake to Adolph and Frances (Sampson) Hanson.  He graduated from Westboro High School in 1951.

Lester proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 while stationed in Germany.  He was honorably discharged in 1962. 

On April 11, 1953, Lester married Sheila Hause at the First Lutheran Church in Ogema.  They resided in Ogema until moving to Medford in 1967.  Lester was employed at Laabs Cheese Factory in Westboro, then worked for the Holiday Station Store in Medford until purchasing the business, which he owned and operated until his retirement. 

He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and spending time at his camper on Lake of the Pines.  Lester was a member of the Jump River Gun Club.  He also liked to visit with family and friends, and cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers. 

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his two children, Steve (Marianne) Hanson of Medford, Susan Fritsche of Hatley; a brother, George (Pat) Hanson of Westboro; sister-in-law, Aggie Hause of Ogema; brother-in-law, Chet (Marcy) Hause of Medford; five grandchildren, Christopher Hanson, Caren (Jason) Van DeWalle, Luke (Alyssa) Fritsche, Josh (Ashley) Fritsche, Sandy Poehnelt; seven great-grandchildren, Ella and Alex Van DeWalle, Owen Matzek, Will and Rynn Fritsche, Noa and Isla Fritsche; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sheila on April 20, 2015; mother and father-in-law, Mathilda “Tillie” and Chester Hause; siblings, Richard Hanson, Judy (Jim) Rogers, Ruth (Ken) Miller; brother-in-law, Rodney Hause; and his son-in-law, Tom Fritsche on Aug. 3, 2020. 

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

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