Finding a specific name in the Cline and Hanson obituaries can honestly feel like a needle-in-a-haystack situation if you aren't familiar with the geography of Wisconsin. You’ve probably noticed that when people search for these records, they aren't just looking for one person. They are looking for a connection to a community that has relied on this name—and its various iterations—for generations.
The name itself carries weight in the Fox Valley and Waupaca County. It’s a legacy. But here is the thing: the "Cline-Hanson" name has evolved. If you’re looking for a relative who passed away recently, you might actually be looking for the Dahlke Funeral Home or a specific branch in New London. It's confusing. Basically, the business has changed hands and names over the years, which is exactly why so many people get stuck during their genealogy research or when trying to find service times for a friend.
Why the Cline and Hanson Name Still Matters
It isn't just a business title. For the folks in New London, Weyauwega, and Manawa, it’s a landmark of life’s most difficult transitions. When someone mentions Cline and Hanson obituaries, they are usually talking about the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home located at 209 West Cook Street in New London.
Currently, as of January 2026, the home is as busy as ever. Just recently, the community has been preparing for the services of people like Kenneth E. Olson and Mary J. Tate, both of whom have visitations scheduled for January 16, 2026. Shortly after, the town will gather for Kenneth E. "Kenny" Gille on January 17th. These aren't just names on a digital screen; they are the fabric of a small Wisconsin town where everybody knows your business, and everyone shows up for the funeral.
There is also a significant connection to the Dahlke Funeral Home. For a long time, it was known as Cline-Hanson-Dahlke. If you are searching for someone in Weyauwega or Manawa, like Edwin W. Flater, who passed away on January 12, 2026, or Betty Jean Drath, you’re often looking at the same historical lineage of care.
Recent 2026 Obituaries and Services
To help you navigate what's happening right now, here are the most current listings tied to the Cline and Hanson legacy:
- Charles "Charlie" L. Hoffman: A New London staple. He spent 43 years at Hillshire Farms and was a massive Chicago Cubs fan. His service is set for January 30, 2026, at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London.
- Kenneth E. Olson: Services and visitation are being held on Friday, January 16, 2026.
- Mary J. Tate: Memorial Mass scheduled for January 16, 2026.
- Kenneth E. Gille: His memorial service is slated for Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Navigating the Confusion of Multiple Locations
It’s easy to get lost. You search for "Cline and Hanson" and end up on a page for a funeral home in Kentucky or a different "Hansen" in Marshfield. It happens to the best of us. The specific Cline and Hanson we are talking about is deeply rooted in New London, Wisconsin.
💡 You might also like: Wisconsin Deer Shooting Hours: Why Getting it Right Matters More Than the Trophy
If your search leads you to "Hansen-Schilling" or "Hansen-Onion-Martell," you’ve drifted into different territory. Those are great establishments in Marshfield and Marinette, but they aren't the same. You have to be precise with the geography here.
Why does this matter? Because if you’re trying to send flowers for Lana Jean Schilling or Michael J. Golueke, you’ll want to make sure you aren't calling the New London office. Those families are being served by the Hansen-Schilling and Hansen-Onion-Martell teams, respectively.
The Evolution of the Business
The history is kinda interesting if you're into local lore. The business was originally Cline & Hanson, but as partners like David Rusch, Wes Fenske, and eventually the Dahlke family came on board, the name morphed. Jon Dahlke eventually purchased the business, leading to the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke name you see on older headstones or in archives from a few years back.
Today, the New London location often operates simply as Cline & Hanson, while the Weyauwega and Manawa branches are more commonly referred to under the Dahlke name.
How to Find Older Records
If you are doing genealogy, don't just stick to the funeral home’s website. Most of the Cline and Hanson obituaries from ten or twenty years ago have been archived by local libraries or digital platforms like Legacy.com.
Honestly, the best way to find a truly old record is to check the Waupaca County Post archives. They’ve covered every birth and death in the area for over a century. You’ll find details there that aren't in the standard funeral notice—stuff like what high school they graduated from in 1946 or which local pubs they frequented.
For example, look at the obituary for Charles Hoffman. It mentions he enjoyed going to Pup's Irish Pub. That's a "human" detail you only get from a community-focused funeral home that knows its neighbors.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
- Verify the City: Before you dive deep, confirm if the person lived in New London, Manawa, or Weyauwega. This dictates whether you check the Cline & Hanson site or the Dahlke site.
- Check the Date: If the death occurred before 2020, you might need to use the "Advanced Search" on Legacy or check the local library’s microfilm.
- Use Semantic Variations: If "Cline and Hanson" isn't working, try "Cline-Hanson-Dahlke" or simply "New London WI obituaries."
- Contact Directly: If you are looking for a specific service time for Kenny Gille or Mary Tate and the website is lagging, just call them. They are a small-town operation; they actually answer the phone.
- Look for the Service Date: Note that for people like Charlie Hoffman, the service might be weeks after the passing. His service isn't until the end of January, even though he passed on the 14th. This is common for winter in Wisconsin to allow family time to travel.
By focusing on the New London area and understanding the name's history, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for without the headache. The Cline and Hanson obituaries remain a vital resource for anyone connected to this corner of the Midwest.