Bradley Hanson

Bradley Jon “BJ” Hanson, 63, of New Auburn, WI, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

BJ was born in La Crosse, WI on January 19, 1960, to Robert and Karen (Engh) Hanson. He graduated from Central High School. He received a bachelor’s degree from UW La Crosse where he studied Business and Finance.

BJ served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1986 until his honorable discharge in 2006 as an SSG 6. He served overseas in Operation Iraqi Freedom I from May 2003 - May 2004.

He worked in various fields and always enjoyed helping people throughout his life. In his younger years he worked many different positions in the health care field, spending several years working as an EMT for Gunderson Hospital. He was a talented guitar player, playing in bands around the La Crosse area. BJ was a skilled carpenter and woodworker, owning his own business BJ Woodworks. He also helped manage and maintain Salisbury Campground.

He loved the outdoors and living on the lake. He was an avid hunter. He enjoyed camping, music, motorcycles, old cars, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed cooking, making his self-proclaimed famous oyster stew, BBQ ribs, and beef jerky as well as perfecting the art of making lefse. He was known to many for being a great storyteller.

BJ took pride in being a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, always making them laugh hysterically with his jokes and antics. He married Janet (Parshall) in 1981. He welcomed two daughters, who loved their father and have many fond memories of him, including his funny stories and the many camping trips they took together.

In 2003 BJ married June (Wittman Black). BJ and June enjoyed living on the lake, campfires, and visiting with the campers, family, and friends.  Through marriage he gained two stepsons.

BJ is survived by his wife, June, of New Auburn; two daughters Rebecca (Rich) Giroux of Tomah and Kimberly (Luke) Sellers of Westby; two stepsons Bernie (Cari) Black and Billi J. Black both of New Auburn; four grandchildren Harper Giroux, Kellan and Hudson Sellers, and Kaitlyn Black; one great grandchild Kayden (Black) Merchlewitz; one sister, Rhonda Staats of La Crosse; three brothers, Kevin Hanson of Florida, Phillip Hanson and Ronald Hanson both of La Crosse; mother-in-law Janet (Kukuska) Wittman of New Auburn.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Hanson; mother, Karen (Engh Hanson) Zielke; stepfather, Walter “Sonny” Zielke; father-in-law, Rudy Wittman Jr.

A graveside memorial service and luncheon in La Crosse will be planned at a later date.

A celebration of life in New Auburn will be announced at a later date.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.