Joy Hanson age 77 of Monroe, died on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family. Joy was born on October 11, 1943 in Monroe to Everett and Lillian (Berg) Wild. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1961 and married Robert Johnson that same year. She had five sons they raised in Monroe and New Glarus. Joy married Ole Hanson in 1991 and they lived in New Glarus, Madison and Monroe during their 23-year marriage. Joy worked most of her adult life as a Medical Assistant in the St. Clare Hospital Emergency Room, the Monroe Clinic and Group Health in Madison. After retiring, Joy and Ole moved to Monroe. She enjoyed re-connecting with her classmates. After Ole died in 2015, she found a best friend in Nate Farmer. She considered Nate a blessing from God. The family is extremely grateful for Nate’s love and care for her.

Joy volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother, field trip escort, delivering Meals on Wheels and working with the Monroe Garden Club. She served in multiple churches throughout her life as a Sunday School Teacher, meal server, capital campaigns, and council leadership.

Joy loved reading, gardening, country music, garage sales, QVC and dancing. Her favorite activity was planning house re-model projects and decorating. She had great home making skills and made you feel at home.

Joy was widely known as a loving, caring, kind and positive person of strong faith, who daily practiced and shared her spiritual fruits. That love was most evident in her dedication to family; her favorite annual event was the Wild Family reunion. Her self-described, greatest accomplishment and pride and joy were her five sons. She encouraged everyone she interacted with. God called her home after she fulfilled her life purpose of sharing His Love.

She is survived by five sons: Jamie (Jean) Johnson of Hudson, WI, Dan (Shelley) Johnson of Marshfield, WI, Randy (Teri) Johnson of Lawson, MO, Michael (Linda) Johnson of Roy, WA, Rob (Lyn) Johnson of Eagan, MN; sister, Vicki (Ralph) Klassy of N. Fond du Lac; brother, Dave (Sue) Wild of Monticello; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and her beloved dog, Lucky.

Memorials are preferred to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Monroe. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 25, 2021 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, with Reverend Todd Hackman officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery. A visitation will be held Friday from 10;00 am until the time of service, at the Church. Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.