Michael Wallace Hanson, age 76, passed away peacefully while holding his wife's hand on Monday, May 1, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay. He was born November 11, 1941, in Evanston, Illinois, to Lynn and Lucille (Anderson) Hanson. Mike married the love of his life, Janice Orsted, on July 27, 1963 in Baileys Harbor at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. They were married 54 years and on their 40 ^th anniversary took a trip to Hawaii.

Mike spent most of his youth in Fish Creek and was its proudest resident. He graduated from Gibraltar High School in 1959. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country aboard various destroyers from 1959 to 1962. After an honorable discharge, he attended a short time at Spencerian Business College (now Concordia). He accepted a position at Anaconda American Brass in Kenosha in 1963 and moved to Manitowoc in 1965. Mike worked most of his career for the Manitowoc Company, retiring in 2002. His favorite job came after retirement when he worked as a part-time dock hand at the Fish Creek Town Dock.

Mike was happiest when he was on the water, watching sports and driving his 1985 Mustang convertible around Door County. He enjoyed visiting and shooting the breeze with everyone he met. Mike had been active in Amvets Post 99 in Manitowoc. He was also a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. His caring heart and great work ethic were passed on to his children and grandchildren. In addition to working full-time, he spent many summers painting homes.

It was a special blessing that Mike's immediate family was able to say goodbye. Mike's favorite hymn, Amazing Grace, will forever be precious to them, as Mike responded when they all sang it together at his bedside.

Mike is survived by and his memory will be cherished by his wife, Jan; his son, Scott (Sheryl) Hanson, and his daughter, Michele Padovano; six grandchildren: Jonathan (Tiffany) Hanson; Amber (Jesse) Neuser; Chris (Crystal) Hanson; Kole Kotche; Adriana Hanson and Natalie Padovano; nine great-grandchildren: Kaylie Hanson and Karissa Hanson; Aliyah Hanson, Trevor Hanson, Brady Hanson, Aiyana Neuser, Ameliya Neuser and Joren Neuser; and Layla Hanson. Mike's tenth great-grandchild is due to Chris and Crystal in August. Mike is also survived by a brother, Tom (Jean) Hanson; sister, Linda (Brian) Koenig; sister-in-law, Wendy Hanson; mother-in-law, Margaret Orsted; brother-in-law, Wayne (Kate) Orsted; special person, Jeff Padovano; and many other relatives and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry; his father-in-law, Gardner Orsted; and brother-in-law, Gary Orsted.

The funeral service for Mike will be held on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo, 1121 North 14 ^th Street, Manitowoc. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier. A time of visitation will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Waldo on Monday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Military rites will be accorded by the Amvets Post #99 at the church immediately following the funeral service. A luncheon for relatives and friends following the military honors will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.

The family thanks the many caregivers who helped Mike, especially those at Maritime Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Mike's name. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com .

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.