Alice Elizabeth (Ripp) Hanson
MIDDLETON–Alice Elizabeth (Ripp) Hanson, 86, of Middleton, passed away on July 21, 2022. She was born on Feb. 25,1936, to Martin and Clara (Acker) Ripp in Ashton. On June 21, 1958, she wed the love of her life, Lawrence Ivan Hanson. Together they raised five children.
Alice graduated from Middleton High School in 1954 and went on to earn her associate degree in teaching from UW-Platteville. This began a fulfilling and impactful 40-plus year career, 36 of which were at Elm Lawn Elementary in Middleton. While teaching full-time, she continued her own education and received both her bachelor’s degree from Edgewood College and her master’s degree from UW-Madison. She took pride in being a “bear” early each school year, but she knew she was helping her students learn respect for themselves and others as well as teaching them integrity and responsibility.
The world has lost a truly ambitious and caring person. In their 61 years of marriage, Larry and Alice truly believed in paying it forward, particularly working to help those who were less fortunate and assisting others in achieving sobriety.
After retiring, Alice continued to help others and enjoyed playing cards, reading and spending time with her many friends, family and relatives. Above everything, Alice truly loved her family. She was a caring wife, devoted mother, adoring and proud Nana where memories were made, and her nine grandchildren were spoiled.
Alice is survived by her five children and nine grandchildren: Jerry (Cheryl) and their children Valerie (Mike), Kyle (Lisa), Monica (Joe), and Laura; Todd (Sue); Denise and her daughters Celeste and Skye; Mark (Sara) and their children Isaac, Adam, and Lydia; and Kirk; 11 (with a 12th on the way) great-grandchildren; her sisters Mary Ripp and Jane (Bob) Kalscheur; and many more loved extended family members. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Larry, her parents, brother Herman and brother-in-law, Chuck Elkins
A mass and celebration of Alice’s life will be held on Aug. 13, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, 602 Everglade Dr., Madison, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave., Madison from 4-7 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2022, and again from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Saturday. Lunch to follow the celebration at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church and the burial ceremony will be held after lunch at Saint Peter’s Catholic Parish-Ashton.
Cherish. Love. Faith. People–These are the words that Alice lived by. She liked and exemplified President Calvin Coolidge’s famous saying: “Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” She loved all of You, Jesus, and Mary the Blessed Mother.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to https://momhelps.org/, https://marc-inc.org/, Elm Lawn Elementary School, or your choice.
