Jodi Lynn Hanna, 59, of Rice Lake, formally of Madison, died peacefully with her wife by her side on November 9, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Northland.

She was born October 8, 1963, in Seymour, IN to William “Joe” and Patricia “Pat” (Harness) Hanna.

She was legally married to Bonnie Pauline Denny on their 25th anniversary in Iowa on December 5, 2011.

Jodi graduated Magna Cum Laude from IU Bloomington with a Masters Degree in Law. She loved to learn and use her skills and knowledge to help those in need. She had a strong sense of justice and that was her driving force. Jodi worked with Disability Rights Wisconsin and advocated for legal equality; she was not afraid to stand up to big corporations to advocate for her clients resulting in life changing settlements. She was especially proud of her work with Voting Rights Accessibility, and working with the Red Cliff band and the Lac Courte Oreilles band of Ojibwe to create accessible domestic violence shelters through the Violence Against Women Act.

Jodi had a huge compassionate heart that extended beyond her work. She relished opportunities to use her bilingual skills to help those struggling with a language barrier. Jodi never knew a stranger and engaged in clever conversation with a tish of sarcasm. Her love and ability to interact with animals was something out of a fairytale. When she was not working on changing the world or communing with wild animals, she could be found reading feminist speculative science fiction. Her joy, smile, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who had the great honor to know her.

She is survived by her loving wife, Bonnie Denny; her parents, Joe and Pat Hanna; sisters: Angie Bishop and Shari Joslin; nieces: Jaclyn, Jillian, and Ady; nephews: Peyton, Alex, Michael, and Mykal; chosen family: Kyrn, Leon, Rita, Aaron, Molly, Ezi, Erica, Roman, Lucia, Kelly, Ocean, Deb, Tara, Tonya, Katie, and Libby; beloved furry children: Dash and Kennedy; and many other dear friends. Jodi was preceded in death by her beloved Great Grandma Carrie.

Jodi’s family would like to deeply thank the caring staff of the local ambulance service, Mayo Northland Hospital especially Dr. Amy Muminovic, and special thanks to the supportive nursing friends who came to the hospital to provide gentle loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Little Red Barn Dog Rescue of Rice Lake. www.littleredbarndogrescue.org

Skinner Funeral Home of Rice Lake is serving the family.

Last Update: Nov 11, 2022 12:12 pm CST