Donald R. Hanson, 63, of Elgin, Iowa passed away Sunday, February 19, 2017 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa after a courageous battle with cancer. Donald Robert, the son of Robert and Beulah (Hofer) Hanson, was born July 18, 1953 in West Union, Iowa. He graduated from Valley High School, Class of 1971. He enjoyed sports in high school and excelled in baseball. Donald was united in marriage with Patricia Rummel on October 20, 1973; together they had two children, Stacy and Shane. Following graduation, Donald worked for Torkelson Motors in Elgin. After ten years, he decided to pursue farming on the family farm. He farmed for eighteen years, then sold the dairy cows and began working at Atwood in West Union. He worked at Atwood for ten years until it closed. Donald then worked at Ashley Molding in Oelwein, Iowa until November of 2016. Donald made many friends throughout his years of employment.
Donald enjoyed fishing; spending time on the Mississippi River; deer hunting; driving around on his ATV; providing fireworks shows for friends and family to enjoy; playing cards, especially pinochle with his family; watching Western movies; and being a mushroom concierge, saving the “good spots” for his family. Above all, Donald loved his family and spent time with them as often as he could. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Donald is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Patricia, of Elgin, Iowa; their daughter, Stacy (Jeremy) Steitz of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; their son, Shane (April) Hanson of Holy Cross, Iowa; their five grandchildren, Cassidy, Alivia, and Brody Steitz; and Taylor and Hunter Hanson; his siblings, Diane (Jim) Kapalis, Janice Hanson, Dennis Hanson, Tom (Jolene) Hanson, Kenny (Karla) Hanson, Keith Hanson, and Bobby (Leslie) Hanson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ron (Penny) Rummel, Cindee (Steve) Saville, Larry (Penny) Rummel, and Jane (Tony) Alshouse; and several nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Beulah Hanson; his brother-in-law, Gary Goodell; and several aunts.
Donald will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 4-7 pm at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Thursday.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Mee Kang as the Officiant.
Inurnment will be at Apostolic Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.