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James L. Hansen, age 76, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025. He was born on October 3, 1948, the eldest son of Leonard and Theresia (St.Louis) Hansen of Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.

He acquired his BA from Marquette University in 1970 and his MLS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1974. That fall he was hired as Reference Librarian by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Jim spent a wonderful 40 years answering questions, giving lectures (all around the country), writing genealogical articles and editing for several major genealogical journals. In 1995, Jim was named a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists, an organization limited to 50 members. He retired from the Wisconsin Historical Society in 2014.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane (Johnson) Hansen and 2 sons, Ron and Dave of Madison; daughter-in-law, Ginger (Field) Hansen; and granddaughter, Daphne Hansen. He is further survived by his brothers, Tom (Nancy) Hansen & Ray (Cathy) Hansen of Turtle Lake & Steven Hansen of Duluth; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest brother, Martin Hansen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. A visitation will be held from 5:00PM until 7:00PM on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the funeral home and again on Saturday from 10:00AM until time of service.

The family would like to thank Rebecca and Danielle from Agrace and Lakeisha and other staff from Cornerstone Caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Jim’s name to Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI, or at agrace.org/donate, or to Wisconsin State Historical Society, attn: Joe Kollar, PO Box 260050, Madison, WI, 53726. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257

James Hansen

October 03, 1948 - June 22, 2025

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