Darlene Elva (Rumppe) Hanson, 86, of Ontario, Wis., passed away Dec. 3, 2023.
She was born Dec. 14, 1936, to Earl and Crystabel Rumppe at home in Brush Creek, Monroe County, Wis. Darlene could not wait for the doctor to arrive, so she was helped into this world by her aunt Lana Rumppe. About 15 minutes later, her identical twin, Arlene, was born. Darlene went to school until the 11th grade, and then was a caretaker for a woman from La Crosse with bad asthma. She met the love of her life, Gareld Hanson, and they were united in marriage Dec. 19, 1953, in La Crosse, Wis.
On March 20, 1954, Darlene was born again to eternal life. Darlene loved to share her love of the Lord with her family and friends. Her final wish was that people would come to know the Lord and join her in Heaven one day. Darlene attended the Gospel Hall in Ontario, Wis. Her family at the Gospel Hall meant so much to her.
Darlene and Gareld farmed, raised tobacco, and raised their family in the Cashton and Ontario area. Darlene also worked for Swift Company, and then for Tillman’s Produce. Darlene also worked for the Hillsboro Garment Factory.
Darlene was amazing at many things. She was a great baker. Darlene even won ribbons for her bread at the fair. She loved canning food fresh from her garden, and her family loved to eat whatever she prepared. Darlene painted, sewed, and crocheted many items. She prepared taxes for many people over the years. Darlene loved to play games. She first played Canasta, but then moved into dominoes and Aggravation. Darlene and Gareld even made Aggravation boards for many family members. There were great memories made playing these games with family and friends.
Darlene loved her family unconditionally. She did anything she could to help them out. Darlene has sacrificed so much for her family. Darlene was determined to attend her last family oyster dinner, where she ate lefse and two whole bowls of oyster stew, which “needed more salt,” and was able to say her goodbyes to her family.
Darlene is survived by her loving boys, Dale (Betty) Hanson of Ontario, Wis., and their children Carrie (Jason) Schott, Laura (Jeff) Ames and Melissa Hanson, and Larry (Kim) Hanson of Cashton, Wis., and their children, Jeremy (Myia) Hanson, Amber (Clint) Barner, Jacob (Jordyn) Hanson, and Molly Hanson. She is survived by her brother, Frank Rumppe; she is survived by her great-grandchildren, Courtnee Barnett, Logan (Aliyah) Hanson, Collin, Keenan and Peyton (Antuane) Hanson, Morgan, Tristan, Gavin, Maddie, Torran, and Anailyn Hanson, adopted Kenna (Christian) Burke, Dominique, Brayden, Jaxon Barner, Breah, Ahlex, Nyah, Ennah, and Zelah Schott, and Sage, baby Boy Hanson. She is survived by four great-great-grandchildren, Ellianna and Ben Alexander, Remedy Hanson and Ryleigh Burke; a step-grandchild, Kristy (Dan) Higgens; a step-great-grandchild, Brandon (Erica) Alt; her sisters-in-law, Doana Rumppe, Eileen Rumppe and Shirley Rumppe; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gareld “Sonny” Hanson; her parents; and her siblings, Mertie (Lawrence) Beier, Fern (Max) Conant, Alfred (Darlene) Rumppe, Mildred (Howard) Anderson, Harold Rumppe, Robert (Mary) Rumppe, Earl Rumppe, Jr. and Arlene (Alonzo “Nuck”) Orethun.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Faith Independent Baptist Church in Ontario, Wis. Burial will follow in the Home Cemetery in rural Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, Dec. 8, from 4–7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home, 720 Madison St., Ontario, Wis. Visitation will also be held Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church, 501 E South St., Ontario.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Norseland Nursing Home and Gundersen Hospice for their amazing care of Darlene.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
