Nancy Jean Hanson

Nancy Jean Hanson, age 86, of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away  unexpectedly at home, peacefully in her sleep, on Sunday, June 21, 2026. 

Nancy was born July 13, 1939, in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of John Rodney and Dorothy Lucille (Williams) Fusch. She was a graduate of Reedsburg High School — Class of 1957. After high school, Nancy studied art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On July 23, 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, Thomas P. Hanson. The two raised their family and pursued business ventures in the area including C & H Inc. of Reedsburg. Nancy also served on the Board of Directors at Farmers and Merchants Bank of Reedsburg for a period of time. In later years, Tom and Nancy traveled the United States in their RV before ultimately putting down roots in sunny Florida. 

Nancy will be remembered as a warm, kind, and generous person. She always had a positive attitude and never took a day for granted. Nancy loved life and often said, “Bored isn’t in my vocabulary!” 

She had many interests and kept busy nurturing the many Westies she and Tom had over the years, immersing herself in romance and British mystery novels, escaping into movies with The Big Country and My Fair Lady among her favorites, following politics, patronizing new restaurants and revisiting cherished go-to spots. Nancy was a true foodie and was known to say, “I live to eat! I don’t eat to live!”

Blessed with a curious mind and retentive memory, Nancy was eager to learn and share what she knew. Her knowledge spanned a wide range of subjects including history.  She was especially fond of the Regency Era. Nancy’s appreciation for the past extended beyond books; she and Tom were proud supporters and members of the Wisconsin Historical Society. 

Nancy spent the last few years of her life at High Point in Cape Coral, Florida, where she enjoyed living independently and formed many meaningful friendships. She knew almost every resident and treasured the community she found there. Nancy especially enjoyed participating in activities such as volleyball and the Friday lunch outings. Her family is deeply grateful to the staff and residents of High Point for their friendship and care that enriched her life in her final years. 

She is survived by her children Barbara J. Hetzel (Troy Zietlow) and David T. Hanson (Jeanna Hanson); grandson Jack Hetzel; granddaughters Haley Becker (Jordan Luzier), Lauren Becker and Nanette Hanson; brother Gary Fusch (JoAnn); sister Laurie Fusch; sister-in-law, Dixie Fusch; many nieces and a nephew; also her beloved cat, Darci. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Thomas P. Hanson; her daughter Elizabeth A. Becker; parents John Rodney and Dorothy Fusch; her brother Bob Fusch; father-in-law and mother-in-law George A. and Barbara Hanson; and, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Douglas and Madeline Hanson.

Funeral services and Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg (donate online at stjohnpaul-ii.org/give-online), Reedsburg Wisconsin Dells Youth Hockey (donate online at rwdhockey.com ), or Cape Coral Animal Shelter & Veterinary Clinic (donate online at capecoralanimalshelter.com), would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.grassefs.com. Grasse Funeral Service in Reedsburg is serving the family.