Patricia “Pat” Hanson

Patricia “Pat” Hanson, 86, passed away on January 2, 2024, peacefully in Ellsworth, WI.

Patricia Hanson was born on May 1, 1937, in Hope, AR, to Robert Vitek and Mary (Pfaff) Vitek.

Pat graduated from Downers Grove High School (IL) in 1955, and went on to nursing school, becoming a Registered Nurse. She went on to work for almost 60 years, finally retiring at the age of 80!

Patricia married Loyall Hanson on October 24, 1959, and they moved to Ellsworth, WI.

The couple had 5 children: Lori Hanson, Pamela (Hanson) Konieczka, and Lee Hanson. Two sons, David and Mark, each passed away within a day of birth.

Pat was well known for her nursing skills, being called often for advice or suggestions, or to come start an IV. Anyone who ever had Pat start an IV on them knows how good she was at that!

She loved bingo and casinos, cruises with Lori, her sports teams (Twins, Timberwolves, and NASCAR), and was an avid reader, even learning how to use a Kindle to download and read books. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She enjoyed her time at Preferred Senior Living, especially time with her “friends group” (you know who you are!), and the wonderful staff.

Pat is survived by Lori Hanson (Joe Gensch) of Eloy, AZ, Pamela Konieczka of River Falls, and Lee Hanson (April) of Winona, MN. Also survived by grandchildren Ryan Figi, Ana (Figi) McGuire, Alex Figi, Jazmine (Hanson) Gardiner (Cameron), Jayme Hanson, Nicholas Hanson, Kassidy Konieczka, and Jarin Hanson, as well as great grandchildren Ilya Figi, Rayna Figi, Drake Schilts, Dakotah Gardiner, and Rhyder Gardiner.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Loyall and sons David and Mark.

Special thanks to the staff at Preferred Senior Living in Ellsworth. The staff there is special.

A Memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 10th at English Lutheran Church, 229 W Main St, Ellsworth, WI, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Cremation and memorial services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.