Donald LeRoy Hanson, age 78, of Barron passed away at his home with family on Friday, March 28, 2025.

He was born on October 14, 1946 in Rice Lake to Elmer and Ella Hanson. He attended school in Barron. On December 19, 1970, he married Dianne Picknell at Salem Lutheran Church in Barron.

Don drove truck most of his life and enjoyed it, including his time served in Vietnam with the United States Army. He hauled milk, worked at Barron Farmers Union, Jerome Foods, but most of his years were spent driving truck for Korth Transfer. After an illness, he was unable to return to trucking so he drove bus for BCDSI until 2022, when he was no longer able to work. He was loved by his clients on his route and he enjoyed them as well.

Don had so much love for his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was known as their hero. He enjoyed a good ol cup of strong coffee and a breakfast sandwich from McDonald’s. He took pride in the things that he had and kept everything nice. His lawn was top priority, those mow lines better be straight!

Don is survived by his children, Ken (Deb) Hanson of Chippewa Falls, Don (Audrey) Hanson and Karen Hanson, both of Barron, and Larry (Deb) Tripp of Rice Lake. He was loved so deeply by his 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and a little girl due in June. He also leaves behind 3 sister-in-laws, Lorraine Slack, Sharon (George) DeGidio and Linda Breezee; as well as many nieces and nephews. Also to miss him is his beloved dog and best friend, Axel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dianne in 2021; infant brother, Richard; his in-laws, William and Betty Picknell; twin infant grandsons, Grayson and Dayton; 3 sister-in-laws, Hazel Matton, Cathy Solie and Vicki Picknell; along with 2 brother-in-laws, Gene and Edward Picknell.

A Memorial Service for Donald will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Barron Foursquare Gospel Church. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 9 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday morning. Burial will take place at Wayside Cemetery in Barron with military rites.

Last Update: Mar 31, 2025 1:36 pm CDT