Matthew Brian Hanson

Matthew Brian Hanson, 37, was a master strategist who loved RPGs and board games that allowed him to exercise his cleverness. He was a genius who read more books in a day than most do in a year. Reserved and of few words, only the most fortunate knew his wit and saw his smile. He loved animals and considered his “puppies” his children. Behind his logical, intellectual exterior, he was a man of deep, deep feeling.

Matthew loved with all his heart but had no idea how much it was returned. Despite his brilliance, he, like so many others, was plagued by crippling anxiety and depression. He chose to end his suffering on October 28th, 2023. 

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All that love gathers in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, the hollows in your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

-Jamie Anderson

Matthew is survived by Julie Hastings (mother), Eliot Hanson (father), Kathryn Hanson (step-mother), Christopher Hanson (brother), Reiya Hanson (spouse), and Rhys, Morgan, and Kelson Kuzdas (step-siblings). He is also survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins and was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Last respects will be paid on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Wichmann Fargo Funeral Homes’ Tri County Chapel at 1592 S Oneida St, Menasha, WI. There will be a visitation from 10:00 am to noon and a brief service at noon, followed by burial at the Riverside Cemetery. All who knew Matt are welcome to join us.