Rodger Scott Hansen

Rodger Scott Hansen was born on May 30, 1966 in Antigo, Wisconsin into the loving arms of his late parents, Patricia Alice (Wallace) and Ronald Peter Hansen, and his adoring sister, Dianne Kaye Hansen. He arrived a ready-made football player already weighing in at 9 pounds, 9 ounces and ready to tackle the world. Rodger was all boy and then some, as he squared off and lined up with each of life’s challenges. He immediately charmed and enchanted his family, as he did those he would encounter along his journey. Rodger was a special guy who loved with a heart the size of Texas and lived life just as large.

God appoints to each man a specific number of days (Job 14:5), that cannot be surpassed even for a moment. Rodger’s days were 20,603. He was given 56 years, four months and 26 days to acknowledge, accomplish and work the plan laid before him; and so on Wednesday morning, October 26, 2022, surrounded by his beloved wife, Denise Hale Hansen, and those privileged to be present when Rodger shed his earth suit, as he received his greatest promotion, he was received with heaven’s joy and God’s open arms, and once again, into the loving arms of his parents. No mere transfer, but a transformation into a perfect body. He was a person with a special mission that has now been fulfilled. Rodger’s journey complete, his mission of touching hearts and lives here will now be carried on with the legacy he leaves.

That legacy includes his memberships. Rodger was first a devoted Christian. He loved the Lord God. He was a member of Four Corners Assembly of God Church in White Lake, WI from infancy. His name could possibly be carved on a pew or two. Rodger was a devoted husband to Denise, who lit up his world like no other. Denise and Rodger were post-high school sweethearts whose hearts had been reunited following a 30 year search for just the right time and the right moment. They were one as man and wife for the last 6 years. Anyone who knew Rodger understood the depths of his love for his two handsome sons, Zachary (Ashley) Hansen of Wauwatosa, WI and Joshua Hansen of Franklin, WI. His world only brightened with the arrival of his darling granddaughter, Bethany, “B” (Zach & Ashley). His membership in parenthood meant literally everything to him. “Thank you for raising me to be the person I am today”, Zachary Hansen. Rodger’s primary focus was always his family: close, distant, or shirttail, family was family to Rodger and he loved with ferocity. There wasn’t a baby or child on the planet he didn’t absolutely adore. Rodger was deeply invested in the Make-A-Wish Foundation and still has his first “kid’s” picture on the visor in his truck.

Rodger was a natural borne protector and defender. He loved this country, always stood for its flag, and had the utmost respect for our military, firefighters, first responders, law enforcement and anyone who served to help others in any capacity. Quite possibly, “God bless the USA” was tattooed on his heart. “…Dad had a Superman tattoo on the upper part of his left arm, and that is how Zach and I saw him…A big, strong, tough guy that was always there to help us out and save the day”, Joshua Hansen. That is how so many saw Rodger. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for a fellow human being. Rodger spent a very large part of his career at both SC Johnson, and Rustoleum in Kenosha, WI and PPG in Gurnee, IL, involved with the fire-brigade, safety, and protecting his fellow employees. Even though Superman was tattooed on his arm, Rodg didn’t leap from tall buildings with a single bound, wasn’t known to change clothes in a phone booth, but he did jump out of a plane and survived an explosion or two!

Rodger Scott was known for his enormous heart. He was a huge teddy bear in a giant’s body. His compassion was shared with everyone whose life he touched, including those patients he booked appointments for in his final position in Antigo as a Patient Scheduler for Aspirus. He was known to pray with patients who were distressed and just calling to make an appointment. He genuinely cared for his people.

Rodger was also known for his sense of humor, ‘dad jokes’, tormenting his sister, and reading the jokes at the bottom of a can of Jolly Good soda. He was typically the life of the party and lived life large. When he laughed, his laugh would rock the room. Football and Rodger, Rodger and football. He was an avid Packers fan and enjoyed playing fantasy football which he did with his group of friends for the past 25 years. He was a 1984 graduate of Antigo High School and, wearing number 82, proudly played football for the Antigo Red Robins. He loved to hunt and fish and to tell the tales that accompanied those escapades, stretching one or two details in the process, especially of and with family and friends.

Rodger currently lived in Antigo, WI with his loving wife, Denise (Fleischman) Hansen. He is survived by his sister, Dianne (Randy) Fritsch of Antigo, WI, his two sons: Zachary (Ashley) Hansen and Joshua Hansen and one granddaughter, Bethany, “B” Hansen; stepchildren: Josh Hale (fiancé, Morgan Holt) Sioux Falls, SD, Seth Hale, Milwaukee, WI, and Emma Hale (significant other, Hunter Frahm), Wausau, WI. Rodger is further survived by his father-in-law, Ken Fleischman (Mae Prince), and Denise’s siblings Cathy (Rob) Wild, Rick (Sheri) Fleischman, Mikki (Kevin) Fronek, Julie Schofield, and their families, and his beloved rescue dog, Nitschke, and by many loving aunts and uncles who held special places in his heart, nieces, great nephews, great nieces and cousins and a host of friends who will miss him for the rest of their days.

Rodger’s family deeply appreciates everyone’s love, sympathy and concern during this difficult time. Private services have been planned with the assistance of Strasser Roller Funeral Home.