Mary J Hanson
Mary J. Hanson, age 63 of Durand, died Sunday, November 17, 2013 at the Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire with her family by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mary was born on November 21, 1949 in Fond du Lac. She was daughter of Raymond A. and Frances G. (Birschbach) Ditter. Mary grew up in Jericho and graduated from Chilton High School. After high school, Mary worked for her dad at Ditter Well Drilling before attending UW-Green Bay where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in the German Language. Mary married Phillip J. Hanson on September 7, 1986 in Hatley. After marriage, Mary and Phillip made their home in Durand, where Mary helped with Phillip’s Animal Health Care. In 1998 Mary went to work for the Menomonie School District where she taught German Classes, until retiring in 2013. She enjoyed taking the German Class students on class trips to Germany every other year. Mary also worked at Cottage Hill Floral Shop in Durand for several years. She also ran the Durand Movie Theater for 5 years until its closing.
Mary was a founding member of the Durand Improvement Group (DIG) and was the creative mind behind the starting of the Holidazzle Parade in Durand. She was the Chairperson of Durand’s Funfest for several years. Mary was an active member at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima, a member of Holy Rosary’s PCCW and was the founder of the Austrian Dinner in the basement of Holy Rosary. She loved to decorate for any special occasion, but Mary especially enjoyed decorating for Christmas.
Mary is survived by her husband of 27 years; Dr. Phil, two children; Theresa Hanson of Eau Claire and Joel Hanson of Menomonie, three brothers; Norm (Diane) Ditter of Rockford, IL, Paul (Ginny) Ditter of Jericho and Jim (Barb) Ditter of DePere, four sisters; Pat (Ed) Balcom of Florida, JoAnne (Chuck) Piette of Hortonville, Janet (Jim) Brandt of Dykesville and Eileen (Paul) Weller of Wittenberg, numerous nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, one daughter; Anna Hanson, one sister; Theresa Ditter and one nephew; Tim Ditter.