ONALASKA, Wisconsin — The Lord welcomed Judith Kay (Beardin) Hanson into His arms on Sunday, July 5, 2020. Judy passed away peacefully in her home in Onalaska, Wisconsin, with family by her side after a nearly three-year journey with lung cancer. 

Judy was born to parents Al and Ethel Beardin on Sept. 19, 1949 in Rochelle, the middle child of three siblings. She graduated from Rochelle High School in 1967 and later attended Kishwaukee College. 

Judy married the love of her life, Harold Riley Hanson, Jr., better known as “Butch,” on Oct. 3, 1970. Judy was the proud mother of two daughters and one step-daughter. She worked as a beautician in Rochelle, and worked at Heileman’s and CenturyLink in La Crosse, Wisconsin, before retiring at the age of 62. 

Judy is survived by her husband, Butch; two daughters, Hope Rachel (Robert) Burchell, Kimberly (Randy) Strangstalien; step-daughter, Dawn (Edwin) Fernandez; grandchildren, Graham (Molly Bean McKeel) Hanson, Chamara (Ken) Cook, Julian (Taija Moses) Finch, Tanner Burchell, Meredith Eitland, Dawson Burchell, Hannah Eitland, and Holly Eitland; six great-grandchildren, Remy, Kameron, Noah, Nolan, Koraleigh, and Nathaniel. She is further survived by her sisters, Lois Gunning, Nancy (Mike) Gall; step-sister, Karen (George) Burkhart; and several nieces and nephews. Her loved ones will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandfather, Tjark Kruse; grandmother, Lois Kruse; and parents, Al and Ethel Beardin. 

Judy had such great love for her children, grandchildren and her “greats,” always seeing the best in them. This also flowed to nephews and nieces, a beautiful gift to them. Judy was well-loved by all who knew her. 

She always provided support and love for her family. She would proudly boast about all of her grandchildren and their families. She would often say to those she loved, “I love you to the moon and back.” Judy’s interests included reading, sewing, cooking, painting, and spending time with family and friends. A native of Illinois, Judy was a proud Bears fan. Judy was a strong woman, and through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing through her illness. Her tidbits of wisdom will be missed. 

A private family funeral service will be held. Family and friends are invited to Hope’s house at W6651 Sunset Drive, Onalaska, WI, for a celebration of Judy’s life beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19th. The family respectfully requests that anyone attending the celebration of life practice social distancing. 

The family would like to thank friends, neighbors and everyone who showed kindness through words or actions, during the past few difficult months that Judy was in hospice. Also, a special thanks to the staff in Oncology and Hospice at Mayo Clinic Health System for their compassion. The Coulee Region Cremation Group, Onalaska, is assisting the family with arrangements.