Ethel M. Hansford

Ethel (Gajeski) Hansford, age 98, of Green Bay, passed on to the care of our merciful Lord on April, 29, 2018, with the attentions and prayers of her loving family that she be quickly welcomed to the House of the Lord for her eternal reunion with Jesus, her Savior, and her many loved ones called before her.

Ethel was Anton & Gertrude Gajeski's first-born child. She was born prematurely on the family farm on December 3, 1919, and was placed in her father's cigar box which he surrounded with cotton to keep her warm. Ethel grew to become a beautiful woman modeling in her youth, then catching the eye of a special man, Wilbert Norbert Hansford whom she married in 1940. They lived in Green Bay and became parents to nine children. She lovingly devoted her quiet life to family, friends and neighbors. She was a life-long member of St. Joseph Parish and will be sadly missed by those who knew her, especially those who were blessed to call her Mother.

Ethel has five surviving children, Todd W. Hansford of Brussels, Craig (Donna) Hansford of Howard, Lita (David) Nier of Sobieski, Lisa Hansford of San Jose and Scott Hansford of Palm Springs. Her pride and joy were her seven grandchildren, Christopher (Lisa) Nier, Maria (Kyle) Christensen, Kathleen (James) Krych, Sarah Nier, Theresa Nier, Brian Hansford and Keith Hansford. Ethel was proud to have met six great-grandchildren, Colin, Reese and Charlie Christensen, John and Violet Krych and Olivia Nier. Ethel is also survived by brothers, Robert Gajeski, Clark (Ann) Gajeski, Ken (Annette) Gajeski and Jerry (Betty) Gajewski; sister, Rita Greatens; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and life-long friend, Phyllis (Don) Gajeski.

Ethel is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Bill Hansford and four beloved children, Barbara, Keith, Gail, and Kurt Hansford. Also, her parents and sisters, Arlene Gajeski, Marcella (Bernie) Thompson, Evelyn (Robert) Dahlke, Mary Ann (Ralph) Watzka; brothers, Tony (Angie) Gajeski, Jack (Elaine) Gajeski; daughter-in-law, Joanne Hansford; brother-in-law, Donald Greatens; and sister-in-law, Marge Gajeski.

The family wishes to thank Carrie, Jennifer and Sue for their availability and devoted care of our mother.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until 11:00 am on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, on the corner of 9th and 12th in Green Bay. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday at the church. Burial will be at Allouez Catholic Cemetery.