Brent Reis Hanson, 68 of West Union, Iowa passed away Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Home in West Union, Iowa. Brent was born May 12, 1956 to Daniel C. and Rosemary (Leitch) Hanson at Palmer Memorial Hospital in West Union. He was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in West Union. Brent graduated with the class of 1974 from North High School in West Union, where he graduated with honors and was one of the Valedictorians.
On August 14, 1993 Brent was married to Elaine Osmundson. One son was born to this marriage. They later divorced. Throughout the years, Brent worked at Ray’s Dx, the Lilac Lanes bowling alley, was a surveyor at the Engineer’s Office, custodian at the West Union Post Office and also did a tremendous amount of lawn care. He was a member of the West Union United Methodist Church, Full Circle, avid and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, and was a leader for the recovery group in Decorah.
Brent’s greatest joy was spending time with his son, Thomas. He also enjoyed bowling and was a fan of the Beatles, Packers, Knicks, Cardinals and Cubs. He was a unique person with a big heart, and would always say what was on his mind. He loved to write and tell jokes, even creating his own joke books. His all-time favorite saying and way of life was stating and living “one day at a time” and even sometimes “one minute at a time”. Brent was known for sending cards to everybody and loved to visit with friends on the phone. He could be found sitting in a chair in his garage, people watching, socializing and drinking his favorite drink, Coca Cola.
Surviving Brent are his son, Thomas Hanson of Cedar Falls, Iowa; siblings, Olivia (Duane) Pleggenkuhle of Hawkeye, Iowa, Daniel Hanson of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Mark (Judy) Hanson of West Union, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Brent was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Rosemary Hanson; sister, Kathy Miller; nephew, Shane Miller; and sister-in-law, Jan (Daniel) Hanson.
The celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in West Union, Iowa on March 8, 2025. Officiants will be Rev. HyeunMee Kang and Pastor Leslie White.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at the West Union Cemetery in West Union, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with services.