Claire L. (Shadow) Hansen

Claire Lyle Hansen was born February 6, 1927, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Otto and Hilda Skau Hansen. Known throughout much of his life simply as “Shadow,” he attended Stebbinsville Rural School near Edgerton and graduated from Stoughton High School in 1944.

Hansen later served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. 

On October 14, 1955, Claire married Virginia Green of Madison. Their wedding was celebrated with a dance featuring Norm Kingsley's Orchestra. Claire and Virginia had a daughter, Beverly. Virginia died December 17, 1973.

Hansen spent much of his working life in Stoughton. Earlier in his career, he worked at Jensen Furniture Store and Rozzie's Supper Club in McFarland. He later joined the Stoughton Post Office, where he worked for 27 years before retiring.

Veterans organizations became an important part of Hansen's life. He was a member of American Legion Post 59, the Forty and Eight, and the Disabled American Veterans. His years of involvement with Post 59 eventually led him to serve as Post Commander in 1977 and 1978.

Hansen was also a member of Christ Lutheran Church, where he had served as an usher.

Away from work and veterans activities, Shadow was remembered most strongly for the relationships he built with the people around him. His obituary closed with a particularly personal description, noting that he “cared for many people throughout his years” and that his life had been “a joy and a blessing” to those who knew and loved him.

Claire Lyle “Shadow” Hansen died April 18, 1994, at a Madison hospital following a brief illness. He was 67 years old. He was buried at Eastside Cemetery in Stoughton, where graveside military rites were conducted by the Madison Veterans Council.

Through his military service, 27-year career with the Stoughton Post Office, involvement in veterans organizations and leadership of American Legion Post 59, Shadow Hansen remained closely connected to the Stoughton community throughout his life.