Hilmen F. Hanson, 89, of Eau Claire, died Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at Milestone Senior Assisted Living. He was born in Colfax, WI, on April 24, 1920, a son of Hans and Anna (Schnick) Hanson. \r\nHilmen married Celia H. Knutson in Strum, WI, on February 24, 1942. \r\nHe entered the U.S. Army on August 26, 1942, and served as a Sergeant in the European Theatre. He was honorably discharged on October 30, 1945.\r\nHe worked as a tire builder at UniRoyal until his retirement in 1983.\r\nHilmen was a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church and served many years as head usher.\r\nHilmen loved outdoor sports, especially hunting and fishing. His family enjoyed many venison steak and fish fry dinners together. After retirement Hilmen and Celia spent a lot of time camping and traveling in their motor home. Previous to that they had a trailer, and then a cottage on Chain Lake in New Auburn where they had good times with family and friends. They were previous members of Eau Claire Moose Family Center No.1408 and attended many dances and parties there. Another of Hilmen's favorite past-times was playing cards. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Celia; a daughter, Carolyn (Gary) Salter of Eau Claire; son, Steven W. Hanson of Chippewa Falls; three grandchildren, Michelle (Darrin) Felkey of Temperance, MI, Kelly Harnisch of Menomonie, and Maggie (Josh) Hanson of Colorado Springs, CO; four great grandchildren, Heather, Lexi, Jason, and Ellie Mae; sister-in-law, Ruth Schaefer of Osseo; and several nieces and nephews. \r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael Hanson; and his sister and brother-in-law, Verna and David Neilsen.\r\nMemorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2009, at Hope Lutheran Church with Pastor Randy Olson officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery on a later date with military graveside honors. Visitation will be one hour prior to services Friday at the church. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving his family.\r\nHis family expresses deep appreciation for the wonderful care he was given at Milestone Assisted Living, and a special thank you to Diane, Kelly, Susan and Tom.

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