John Richard Hannon, age 85 of Hudson, Wisconsin, formerly of Schofield, Wisconsin passed away surrounded by family on December 5, 2020. John was born on February 14, 1935 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Albert and Irene (Lecoque) Hannon. He grew up in Green Bay and graduated from West High School, before serving in the U.S. Army as a Morse Interceptor Specialist in the 182nd Security Agency Company in Europe. After his military service, John continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He married the love of his life, Valerie Leyo, on April 11, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and the couple were blessed with four children. In 1983, Valerie suffered a debilitating aneurysm and John dedicated himself to taking care of her and providing for the family as best he could. When Valerie required 24 hour care at a nursing facility, John still visited her almost every day until her death in 2010. For most of his career, he worked as a Collections Agent with the United States Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service. He was often assigned the difficult and dangerous files, and was highly regarded by those he trained. He carried out his difficult job without hesitation because he believed in working for the public good on behest of the average citizen.

John loved playing and watching sports, especially the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. He loved to tell about his time attending the Packer’s Ice Bowl (12/31/1967) and still had the original tickets from the game. His love for sports transitioned in supporting his children’s sporting activities. In their elementary school years, John was a coach or assistant coach in his children’s youth soccer, basketball, softball, baseball and hockey programs. When he wasn’t coaching, you could always find John in the stands cheering at every game (he was the loud one). He enjoyed family camping and fishing trips up north, and sharing his passion of small game hunting with his children. He was fond of bowling, and was an avid darts player in his younger days alongside his dad.

John will remain in the hearts of his children, Greg (Wendy Rusch), Daniel (Jennifer), Mary (Rob Jacobson), and Nicolas (Becky); grandchildren, Madison and Ethan; Ellie and Jack Jacobson; Zoey and Ashton; brother, Robert (Ruth); several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Valerie; and his parents.

Memorial services are being planned for a time when a larger group can safely gather. Internment at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery near Rothschild, Wisconsin. Memorials and cards for the family may be sent to O’Connell Family Funeral Home: Care of John Hannon Family, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI 54016, to be forwarded on your behalf. Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association.

John’s family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Hill and Pine Ridge for their wonderful care and support throughout his time there and especially in his final days.