Richard Allen Hanson, 71, of Lansing, Iowa lost his battle with cancer on June 17, 2021. He passed away peacefully at home. Rich was born to Melvin and Sylvia (Sandry) Hanson on December 5, 1949 in Waukon, Iowa. He spent his youth as the youngest of five children and attended Lansing school systems. In high school he began working at the Lansing fish market where he was mentored by Harold Verdon.
Rich was drafted into the Army in 1970 and sent to Vietnam where he earned two bronze stars, multiple overseas ribbons and a combat infantry badge. He returned home and met his loving wife, Mary Troendle, they were united in marriage on June 30, 1972 at Wexford Catholic Church.
Rich began his career at Briggs and Stratton in Milwaukee in 1969 and returned after serving in Vietnam. He retired from Briggs in1999. During those years he became a father to three, ran bingo at his local church, coached numerous teams for his children, became an avid bowler, played softball and continued his hobbies of hunting and fishing. After leaving Briggs he worked for the United States post office, as a carrier from 2001-2012 when he retired from there as well.
As a proud Army Veteran, Rich enjoyed his time spent with his fellow Vietnam War heroes. They called themselves the Angry Skipper organization and gathered annually for reminiscing and fellowship.
Rich spent his life providing for his family, helping neighbors and friends and brought humor and kindness to everyone he met, selfless to his core. He passed down his love of fishing and hunting to his children and grandchildren. If there was ever someone in need, he was there. He always gave the best hugs!
Late in life, Rich began a relationship with Jesus Christ. His faith during his battle with cancer inspired everyone around him. He is now being celebrated in heaven! Those who knew this funny, tender honey badger, will never forget him!
He leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Mary (Kathy); daughters, Tracy (Jeff) Douglas and Marsha (Jason) Hill; son, Jason (Amanda) Hanson; grand-children, Nathaniel Hill, Kaitlyn Hill, Andrew Hanson and Brooklyn Hanson; brother, Ken (Alice) Hanson and sister, Roberta Rolfs. And an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings.
Celebration of Life will be at 12:00 pm on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at the United Methodist Church, Lansing, Iowa with a visitation from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm before services at the church on Thursday. Military Rites will be at the church. Rev. Sedar Shako and Deacon Roger Lunsman will be the Officiants.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude’s children’s hospital in Rich’s name.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Lansing, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.