Stephanie Kim Kaufman

MADISON - Stephanie Kim Kaufman, age 37, of Madison, passed away on May 13, 2009, at Hospice, eight months after her diagnosis of brain cancer. She was born on Dec. 2, 1971, in Tigerton, the daughter of Jack Kaufman and Marilyn (Jensen) Kaufman. Stephanie married Andrew (Drew) Hanson III on July 2, 2006, at the backyard prairie of their Madison home. She was employed as a research epidemiologist at the Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Stephanie is survived by her husband, Drew; daughter, Gwenevere (Gwen) Hanson; sister, Jennifer Kaufman Fourness and brother-in-law, Evan Fourness of Chandler, Ariz.; father, Jack Kaufman of Eland; mother, Marilyn Kaufman of Sheboygan; grandparents, Mervil and Minnie Kaufman of Eland; grandmother, Kathryn Jensen of Birnamwood; parents-in-law, Lois and Andrew Hanson Jr. of Marinette; brother and sister-in-law, Scott Hanson and Abbey Thompson of Middleton; sister-in-law, Sheila Hanson of Madison; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Roger Jensen; and aunt, Merle Kaufman. Stephanie earned her bachelor of science degree in sociology and psychology and a master of science degree in population health sciences, both at UW-Madison. She was an avid reader and dedicated mother who enjoyed spending time outdoors with her family. Her honesty, intelligence and giggles were preeminent characteristics appreciated by all those who knew and loved her. Her body will be committed to the eternal cycle of life on Earth through a private burial at her family's farm in Eland. In lieu of sympathy, cards or flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Gwen Hanson's savings account, an education fund set up at UW Credit Union.