Jonathan J. Hancock

Jonathan J. Hancock, age 86, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026. Jonathan was born in Racine on October 8, 1940, son of the late James and Valerie (nee: Olson) Hancock.

Jon attended Trautwein Elementary School, McKinley Junior High and was a proud graduate of Wm. Horlick High School “Class of 1958”. In his younger years, he delighted many young people as the soda jerk in Pokorney’s Drug Store and driving the Bookmobile. Furthering his education, he started UW-Extension in Racine, where he met the love of his life, Joan E. Petersen. Jon attained his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Whitewater in 1962 and his Master’s degree in Measurement and Evaluation from UW-Whitewater in 1969. On August 15, 1964, Jonathan was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joan E. Petersen. They raised two sons, Jason and Joshua, and shared sixty-two wonderful years together. Jonathan helped educate countless students through his thirty-five years as an educator with Racine Unified. Through the years he taught sixth graders at Roosevelt and McKinley Elementary Schools (including the Academically Talented), fifth graders at St Edward’s Elementary and was the school librarian at Jerstad-Agerholm Elementary for many years. Upon retiring, Jon was extremely honored to be given a retirement party by a class that he had taught 29 years before. He was the former chairman for membership and treasurer for RAREA Racine Area Retired Educators Association. In his spare time, Jonathan was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing in leagues in Racine and Sun City West, AZ. He was one of the original Lakeshore Tennis League members when it started in the 1970s and was very proud of both of his sons and their tennis ability. Jon was a collector, restorer and rider of Whizzer Motor bikes and never found a classic car show that he did not like. He was a lover of green grass, green trees and sunshine. Jonathan will be remembered for dedication to his students, coworkers and above all his deep love and devotion to his family.

Jonathan will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Joan; sons, Jason Hancock of Mequon and Joshua (Karen) Hancock of Tucson, AZ; his grandson, Journey, who held a special place in Jon’s heart; brother, Daniel (Jackie Peterson) Hancock; sister-in-law, Sheila (John Daniel) Wier; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday November 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Jon’s Life service to start at noon. Jon loved all Wisconsin sports teams and all guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Wisconsin sports apparel. Private interment will be held. Memorials to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.