George I. Hansen

George Irving Hansen, 92, of Wautoma, passed away on June 10, 2023. He was born on August 21, 1930 in Racine, WI to George and Ellen (Jepsen) Hansen. From 1951 to 1953, he served in the Air Force and in the Korean War, earning the Korean War Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. On September 18, 1954, George married Ruth Ann E. Spring, and they raised three children together.

George held several different careers in sales, from working as a clerk at Massey Ferguson in Racine, to a sales position with Sears, Roebuck & Co. in Milwaukee, to eventually owning his own small business, Antique Liquor. The family moved from Burlington, WI to Wautoma, WI in 1976 to open the liquor store. Finally, George enjoyed a career in real estate in Wautoma.

George had a passion for volunteering and giving back to the community. He spent a lot of his time volunteering with local organizations and was an active member at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI. He helped with planning and organizing Senior events and outings and was a member of the church choir.  George was an avid collector of many different antiques and collectibles, particularly antique beer bottles and advertising, art pottery, and Santa Claus die cuts and advertising. He was a member of the Milwaukee Antique Bottle and Advertising Club. George also loved to travel, going to Antique “dealer” Shows across the United States, as well as boat cruises, and traveling across Europe. He had the opportunity to visit 32 different countries.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann; and his parents, George and Ellen.

He is survived by his children, Jon (Connie) Hansen of Wautoma, WI, Paul (Crystal) Hansen of Middleton, WI, and Eric Hansen of Appleton, WI; grandchildren, Justin Hansen and Taylor (Heather) Hansen; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn; and a sister, Elaine Redlin of Racine, WI.

A private family memorial service for George will be held. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at Appleton Highland Memorial Park, Appleton, WI.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Heartland House, particularly the CBRF staff, for their compassionate care of George.