James Hansen, of Eagle River, formerly of Polar, died Friday, April 4, 2014 at Rennes Rehabilitation Center in Rhinelander. He was 81 years old. He was born on June 19, 1932 in Polar, a son of Julius and Phoebe (Roe) Hansen. He married Mary Craddock on February 15, 1959 in Chicago, IL. She preceded him in death on September 8, 1996.

He attended Polar grade school and Antigo High School. He moved to Chicago in 1947 where he worked for Sears in their merchandise distribution center. Mr. Hansen also worked for the Motorola Corporation, a job which led to him meeting his wife.

In 1988 he retired and moved to Eagle River.

He enjoyed deer hunting in the blackjack springs wilderness area of the Nicolet national forest. He enjoyed, and was skillful, at fishing with a fly rod.

Survivors include a son Julius (Kathleen) Hansen of Maple Park, IL; a daughter, Linda Serwetnyk of North Lake, IL; 2 grandchildren Erik Julius Hansen, Kaleigh Hansen.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son Joseph Vrba; seven sisters Lenore Kahn, Jesse Pavek, Lucy Wickersheim, Elva "Tommie" Namtzu, Nelda Stevens, Dulcia Maynard, Thelma Cook, Vera Hansen; and a brother Hans Hansen.

A funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Fr. William Horath from St. Theresa Catholic Church in Three Lakes officiating. Burial will take place in Town of Polar Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home and Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.

Services