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Alma D. Hanson

WEST SALEM — Alma D. Hanson, 87, of West Salem passed away Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, at her home.

She was born June 11, 1921, in Estella, Wis., to Johannes and Laura (Kohls) Goltz. On Feb. 16, 1946, she married Kenneth Hanson in Cornell, Wis., and he preceded her in death May 19, 1994.

Alma was an avid sports fan with a lifelong affection for her beloved Cubs and Packers, and enjoyed watching a game whenever she could, no matter what was going on. One of her grandchildren lovingly gave her the nickname “Grandma Elmo,” which her family continued to call her. “Grandma Elmo” loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she could. She was a very loving and caring person who just enjoyed being with them and always looked forward to spending time with them. Alma was also looking forward to spending time with her new kitten, Molly. In her younger years, Alma was a wonderful seamstress, making many of the children’s clothes as they were growing up. She was a voracious reader and also enjoyed crafting and collecting beanie babies, which she passed down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for any special occasion. Alma worked at Sears for 17 years and was the customer service manager as well as the credit department manager during her time there. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Salem, where she taught Sunday School Bethel Series and was an active member of Martha Circle for many years. Alma possessed a quick, often sarcastic wit. No matter how tough things got, “Grandma Elmo” was always a loving, caring and giving person.

Survivors include four children, Janna Stamstad of Greybull, Wyo., Debra (Ryan) Lee of Green Bay, Wis., David (Dona) Hanson of Mandan, N.D., and Michael (Marianne) Hanson of De Soto, Wis.;

10 grandchildren, Matthew, Nathan, and Kenalyn Stamstad, Elizabeth (Ryan) Ellis and Andrew Lee, Erik (Kimberly) Hanson and Megan Hanson, Jeremy (Deb) Kane, and Melissa (Jim) Klonecki and Kristina (Andy) Olson; 11 great-grandchildren, Gabriel Hanson, Taryn Radue, Emily and Mariah Pedretti, Caden Kane and Tyler Kane, Hannah, Kody and Gracie Klonecki and Jordan and Jamison Jungen; one brother, Wilfred (Johanna) Goltz of Cornell, Wis.; two sisters, Elaine Phelps of Cornell, Wis. and Susan Goltz of Elk Mound, Wis.; three sisters-in-law, Joyce Millard of West Salem, Jeanette Totten of Phoenix, Ariz., and Evelyn (Harold) Capaul of Cornell, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband of 48 years, she was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Orville (Helen), Harvey (Loretta) and John Goltz; a sister, Eleanor Goltz; and three brothers-in-law, Gerald Phelps, Harlan Millard and Roger Totten.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 359 N. Leonard St., West Salem. The Revs. J. David Bersagel and Martha J. Hampton will officiate. Burial will be in Neshonoc Cemetery. Friends may call at Jostad-Jandt Funeral Home, 121 N. Youlon St., West Salem, on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of services.

The family would like to thank the staff at Swifthaven Assisted Living in La Crosse for the compassionate care that they gave to Alma while she lived there.