Marlene J. (Watson) Hanson
Marlene Joan (Watson) Hanson passed away peacefully, January 2, 2024, with her son and daughter by her side in her last days.
Marlene was born to Leonard and Agnes Watson, July 24, 1933, at Krohn Hospital in Black River Falls. On June 9, 1956, Marlene married Arthur Blake Hanson who, without his great support, could not have gone on to enjoy the thing she loved, the world of education. They built a house and started their home on Rural Route 3, Osseo, where they raised their two children: Kimberly Sue and Alyn Blake.
As a young girl, she attended Tindahl, a one-room schoolhouse. On one occasion, while a student, she was asked to take over the teacher’s position for sometime as they could not find a substitute. This experience, no doubt, influenced her educational career choice. Marlene graduated Salutatorian from Fairchild High School in 1951, and went on to attend Luther College in Decorah, IA, and in 1955, she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in History and Psychology. In 1972, she attained an MS degree in Curriculum from UW–Eau Claire, and later her Superintendent’s license from UW–Madison.
In 1955, Milwaukee Public Schools came to Luther College looking for teachers with a farm background as they new they would be strong educators. So Marlene’s first teaching job took her to the north side of Milwaukee where she taught first grade. She always said it was a learning experience she enjoyed. In 1956, she was hired by Eau Claire School District. In 1958, she took the position of Building Principal and teacher at Pigeon Falls School in the Whitehall School District until 1969. Augusta School District hired Marlene in 1969 as the high school Guidance Counselor and later the Elementary Principal until 1975, at which time she became the Curriculum Director/Assistant Superintendent at the Whitehall School District. Marlene served as Superintendent at Whitehall (one of the first females in the state of Wisconsin) until her retirement in 1991.
For three years following her retirement, she managed the Congressional Black River office for Congressman Steve Gunderson. Marlene also volunteered her time at the Trempealeau County Court House as a mediator, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Marlene served as Sunday School Superintendent and also church president.
Marlene served as President of CESA 6 Elementary Principal’s Organization, Chairman of the DPI Teacher Incentive Committee, the Viterbo College Board of Advisors, Whitehall Public Library Board, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Arrowhead Inservice League, Member of the Governor’s Council State Business and Education Partnerships, School Representative to PIC Council for Job Training Partnership Act, member of the Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Wisconsin Association of School Administrators, American Association of School Administrators, Wisconsin Association of School Curriculum Directors, committee member to develop First Year Teacher’s Assistance Program, Advisor to the University of Wisconsin Extension Youth Development 4-H programs, Administrative Representative for School of Education Advisory Council - UW–Eau Claire, member of beginning Teacher’s Advisory State Council (DPI), member of Steve Gunderson’s Advisory Committee, American Lutheran Church of Women, and Peace Lutheran Church, Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin.
In 1985, Marlene was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from Luther College, Honorary Home Economics Education Award, Wisconsin Home Economics Elementary and Secondary Education.
Marlene and Arthur enjoyed their travels to Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, the contiguous United States, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean with their family and dear friends, Barb and Jerry Nelson. Social gatherings with family and friends were at the heart of her interests along with nature, and her horse and bird collections.
Marlene wanted to send a special thank you to the Augusta and Whitehall teachers, secretaries, and custodial staff for their wonderful support and friendship throughout the years.
We will miss our mom dearly. Her inspirational guidance, unending love, fortitudinal strength, and spunk will never be forgotten. It is extremely difficult to imagine life without her as she was so much apart of our lives. You were the best. Miss you forever. We’ll love you always.
Marlene is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Sue (Denny); son, Alyn Blake (Raynelle); and her four precious grandchildren: Jacob, Connor, Mac, and Alyson. She is also survived by her sister, Gloria (Watson) Berg; Richard Watson; Ronnie Watson; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Watson.
Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Blake Hanson; her mother and father; brother, David Watson; and her dear friend, Barbara Nelson.
Marlene’s family expresses a warm and sincere thank you to Heritage and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and all the friendship given to our mom during her stay. You were truly a blessing.
Donations can be given in Marlene’s name to Peace Lutheran, Pigeon Creek Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, or the Whitehall School District.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls with burial in the Pigeon Creek Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, both in Pigeon Falls. Pastor Greg Ofsdahl will officiate.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall.
