Patsy (Pat) Rae Hanson, 61, of Bergland, Mich., died peacefully while surrounded by her family Dec. 10, 2009, in Duluth, Minn., from complications related to a stroke. The daughter of Vernon and Verna Clark, she was born July 14, 1948, in Hillsboro.
Pat married her high school sweetheart and partner for life, Marlin Leon Hanson, in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1967. She leaves her husband, Marlin, and one son, Mark Hanson, both of Bergland, Mich. She also leaves a brother, Larry Clark of Valley, Wis.; and three sisters, Dianne (Mike) Metcalf of Middletown, Wis., Cheryl (Don) Eaton of Boscobel, Wis., and Kelley (Jerry) Kilcoyne of Middletown, Wis.; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves her beloved dog, CJ, whom she called “Gorgeous Man.” She was preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Verna and a brother Dicky.
Pat grew up in La Farge and graduated from La Farge High School in 1966. She became a certified beautician after graduating from cosmetology school in La Crosse, and then she opened her own salon in Ontario. In 1988 she and Marlin relocated to Bergland, Mich., where they owned a resort for four years, and then they opened a powersports business in 1992 that Marlin still operates. Pat also enjoyed a very successful career as a real estate agent, specializing in properties on Lake Gogebic.
Pat was always a high-energy person. While working full time, Pat also gave her time to several community organizations such as Fireflies of Lake Gogebic, Gogebic Lake Association and American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She was involved with the Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Chamber Board of Directors, and she also served on various township committees. Pat also enjoyed helping those less fortunate by volunteering for various local charities.
Her love of arts and crafts led her to participate in activities from stamping, scrapbooking, jewelry making, glass etching, sandblasting, rock engraving and award-winning Gingerbread Houses. Of all her artistic interests, her favorite was rock collecting. She would spend hours collecting rocks on the Lake Superior shoreline, on an annual camping trip and anywhere else she traveled. In recent years, Pat enjoyed spending the summer with her husband Marlin at Ontonagon County Park, taking in the beautiful views of Lake Gogebic from their camper and socializing around campfires with their friends. Pat loved to travel and cherished the many family trips around the United States she shared with Marlin and Mark.
Pat’s greatest joy came from her devotion to her family, spending time with her husband Marlin, her son Mark, her siblings, and their families. Pat had a great sense of humor and would find herself giggling and laughing for hours on end while sharing stories with her three sisters.
At Pat’s request, formal services will not be held. To celebrate her life, the family will have a gathering next summer on the Lake Superior shoreline. Also, you are invited to participate in remembering Pat’s life by visiting http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/Pathansonmemorial/homepage.aspx to view photos and share your thoughts and memories.
If you would like to make a charitable donation in memory of Pat, we encourage you to contact the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org in the “Make a Memorial Donation” section of its Web site or call 1-800-342-2383 or mail to American Diabetes Association/Honor a Memorial, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312
You lit up our world, and you will forever be the sparkle of our lives.
