Esther Hanson

Esther Marie (Linn) Hanson, age 100, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, at The Legacy at Noel Manor, in Verona, WI. She was born on July 3, 1925, to Ervin and Dora (Diers) Linn in Cumberland, WI. Esther married Richard "Dick" Hanson on October 11, 1997, at Arbor Covenant Church, Madison, WI.

Esther attended Cumberland Elementary School and Cumberland High School, graduating in 1943. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Clothing and Textiles from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Following her graduation, Esther worked as a secretary in the office of Doctor Mohs for seven years. She spent time as a stay-at-home mom and later served as a secretary in the History Department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Esther was the youngest of 5 children and lived through the Great Depression. These years and after were a source for many interesting stories that she would tell and also relate in writing for a family newsletter that one of her nieces (Helen) produced. 

When Esther was in high school, she played the clarinet and started her own Little German band with some friends. Later in life she played the piano for enjoyment. 

Esther was creative and artistic.  She sewed many garments, knitted countless mittens, sweaters, blankets, cross stitched complicated scenes, embroidered, crocheted, made a perfect hardanger piece and did some rosemaling. 

Esther was an enthusiastic traveler, traveling the United States coast to coast and many trips abroad. She detailed all these travels in albums packed with photos and descriptions.  

Most of all Esther loved her family and had a gift of making people feel special because she truly thought of them as special. She might show up at your door to surprise you with cream filled doughnuts, or she might have you over for a sleepover and teach you how to bake cookies and then eat them. Esther always tried to sneak up and put a May basket on the door but could never run away fast enough to the delight of her grandchildren. She filled her families lives with love, laughter and silliness. 

Esther is survived by her husband, Richard "Dick" Hanson; daughter, Karen (John) Jordan; grandchildren, Bern (Kelly) Jordan, Andrea (Jeremy) Cook, Kari Jordan, Greta (Antonio) Tang, Erik (Krystal) Jordan, Britta Jordan, 6 great grandchildren, and other extended family members. 

Family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses, CNAs, and staff of Agrace Hospice for the compassionate and loving care given to Esther in her last days.

A Funeral Service will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison, WI. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until the time of service at the Funeral Home with a luncheon to follow. A private burial will held at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, WI.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to...Agrace Hospice Donate to Agrace | Agrace or Ronald McDonald House Charities - Madison Donation page (Esther prayed for many people and especially children)



To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000