Thomas R. Hansen

Thomas R. Hansen, age 70, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Froedtert Memorial Hospital following a long illness. Thomas was born in Racine on May 16, 1946, son of the late Ferdinand and Sylvia (nee: Johnson) Hansen and was a lifelong resident.

On May 16, 1992, Tom was united in marriage to Dr. Ruth Rademacher. Tom graduated from William Horlick High School “Class of 1964”. He then went on to UW-Milwaukee to study psychology and social work and earned a bachelor’s degree with credits towards a master’s degree. Education was always important and instilled into his children for many years. He was employed as a social worker with Racine County for twelve years. For the past thirty-six years, Tom has entertained many people, established many friends and thrown countless Packer parties as owner and operator of Hansen’s Tap. A lifelong fisherman, Tom also was a Charter Boat Captain for “six years when the fish were biting”. Some of his fondest memories were fishing with his twin brother Tim, Butch and Ben Spanjers, ‘Doc’, Mike Webster and so many others. One of his favorite past times was cooking food for others. His famous ‘Cheese Soup’ or french onion soup was a favorite with the family and took days to prepare because he took no short cuts. He had a passion for gardening and a love for flowers. For the last 24 years one of his favorite places to visit was Door County. He and Ruth found a second home there on their honeymoon and enjoyed many great times there with family and friends overlooking Sturgeon Bay. A large man in stature with an even bigger heart, Tom will be remembered fondly for his sense of humor, quick wit, great ability to make friends with anyone and everyone, and his great love and devotion to his family. There is no doubt that Tom is giving his Mother-in-Law, Bert, a hard time in heaven right now and enjoying every minute.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of twenty-four years, Ruth; children, Kara (Mark) Hett of Illinois, Katy Hansen (Chris Schroeder) of Racine, Julia Namowicz of Racine, Stephen Humphrey of Milwaukee; granddaughter, Leah Schroeder; twin brother, Timothy (Darlene) Hansen of Racine; sisters, Marion Beyer of Racine, Jean (David) Vopal of Milwaukee, Sandy (William) Smith of Racine; longtime caregiver and adopted daughter and family, Christina (Jim, Kiki, and Chris); nieces and nephews, Sarah, (Rick) Gunderson of Illinois, Kim (Mike) Sherwood, Melanie (Jason) Rasmussen, Eric (Michelle) Hansen, all of Racine, Shawn (Lauren) Smith of Madison; sisters-in-law, Thea (Peter) Kovac, Greta (Rob) Fayle, Lennie (Jon) Lehman, Christine (Greg) Seitz, Johannah (Jeni) (Richard) Vanhoesen, Regine (Charlie) (Jason) Effinger and brother-in-law Ted (Sue) Rademacher; longtime school friends, David (Donna) Wilson; and many other family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Tom was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Erv Beyer.

A Memorial Service celebrating Tom’s life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 16, 2016, 5:30 P.M. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 2:30 P.M. until time of service at 5:30 P.M. Memorials to the V.F.W. Post 1391, 820 Main Street, Racine have been suggested.

A special thank you to Bonnie at Gentiva Hospice for her loving and compassionate care.

A Fisherman’s Prayer:

God grant that I may fish

Until my dying day

When it comes to my last task

I then most humbly pray

When in the Lord’s safe

landing net

I’m peacefully asleep

That in His mercy

I be judged…

Big enough to Keep!

By A. Burham

-Gone Fishing!