Donald C. Hanna

Donald Charles Hanna

Milwaukee – Born to eternal life at age 96, joined his dear wife of 71 years Nancy, nee Haberman, and his beloved son Bruce on Monday, January 5, 2026. Dear father of the late Bruce (Cyndi), Dr. Dennis (Janice), and Scott (Debra). Proud grandfather of Dr. Abigail, Natalie (Michael) Schwobe, Christopher (Sandy), Andrew, Daniel (fiancée Dr. Megan), and Dr. Alex (Barbara). Loving great-grandfather of JC, Anja, Julie, Kai, and Charlie.

Donald was born October 28, 1929, at his grandmother’s S 65th Str. grocery store in Milwaukee’s “Johnson’s Woods” neighborhood. He arrived the day before the Great Stock Market Crash to mechanic, Charlie Hanna and his wife, Elsie Reinhardt Hanna and was later joined by little brother Kenneth. Donald graduated from Milwaukee Solomon Juneau High School and very proudly served his country in a combat role with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. When he returned, he married his darling Nan, whom he had met while dancing at Milwaukee’s Eagle’s Club, and they were soon joined by sons Bruce, Dennis, and Scott. Don worked for many years on 2nd shift at Allis Chalmers in West Allis and then spent much of his “retirement” building custom furniture for themed hotels. Don was extremely fit for much of his “older” years, running or XC skiing almost every day well into his 80’s and enjoyed participating in competitive events, including the Birkebeiner international ski race on multiple occasions.

Dad was 100% about family, whether cheerleading his son’s musical endeavors, repairing their cars, or building them professional quality furniture. He was ALWAYS there when he was needed and followed that with much love and attention to the lives of his six grandchildren, truly enjoying the many trips with grandkids in tow. A quiet and gentle presence with his repeated “dad jokes”, grandpa will be sorely missed and ever loved and appreciated, and we will all forever remember that the correct answer to “Which pie would you like?” is “All of them”. Love you Dad.

The family would once again like to thank granddaughter Natalie for her constant loving watch over Grandpa and Grandma.

In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial Donations to Disabled American Veterans or Stars and Stripes Honor Flight.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 12400 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM. Funeral Service at 4:00 PM.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Donald C. Hanna, please visit our Tribute Store.