Larry P. Hansen

Larry P. Hansen

Larry P. Hansen, 80, of Stevens Point, WI, passed away peacefully July 24, 2026, in Iola, WI. Born  June 17, 1946, to Robert and Carole Hansen of Ashland, WI, Larry was a well-loved part of the community. After graduating from Ondossagon High School in 1965 and later from the University of Eau Claire 1969, he devoted his life to spreading the joy of music and theater to everyone.

Larry moved to Black River Falls (BRF) in 1969 to teach high school choral music. After his first year of teaching, Larry married the love of his life Marcia (Godschalx) June 13, 1970.  Over the next 41 years, Larry ingrained himself as an indispensable member of the BRF community.  Larry dedicated his entire 32-year teaching career to BRF Senior High, impacting countless young lives.  During his career, he directed over 40 musicals and numerous variety of shows and planned extravagant madrigal dinners in addition to organizing and participating in several solo and ensemble festivals.  Larry’s love of music and theater extended outside of school into the larger BRF and Wisconsin communities. He was involved in the BRF Players, Marilyn School of Dance and Neillsville Players.  Larry spent 45 years adjudicating music for the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) at over 250 different music festivals.   

Larry’s love of music continued after his retirement in 2001.  Larry and Marcia moved to Stevens Point, WI, to be close to his grandchildren in 2011.  In Stevens Point, he participated in CWACT, a local theater group, sang in the church choir, cantered and accompanied Masses, and directed and sang in the Master Choral.

Besides music, Larry had many other interests and hobbies.  He loved to garden, taking special interest in flowers.  Larry even served as a flower judge at fairs throughout the state.  Baking was another favorite pastime.  His favorite dessert to make and enjoy was cheesecake.  You could often find Larry at the beach, reading a good book or enjoying a trip to Disney World or Mexico.

Family was of the utmost importance to Larry.  He made time for weekly dinners with his grandchildren, daughter, and son-in-law.  Larry showed up to support his grandchildren at all their school activities and extra-curricular endeavors.  He spent hours attending Suzuki violin lessons with his grandson, Gavin.  He cherished the holidays, especially Christmas, and loved planning celebrations that brought family and friends together to create lasting memories.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marcia; his daughter, Melanie (Paul) Rector; grandchildren Abi, Gavin and Bryn; and siblings Gerry (Mary) Hansen of Hayward, WI, and Linda Panasuk of Mason, WI.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Carole Hansen, and brother-in-law Al Panasuk.  

A memorial service celebrating Larry’s life will be held Aug. 9, 2026, at the Lunda Theater in BRF WI.  Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. with the service to follow at 1 p.m.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated  Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Stevens Point, WI. Family and friends may gather for visitation beginning at 9 a.m. prior to the Mass.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the BRF Music Department in honor of Larry’s love of music and his passion for sharing it with others.