Happy 90th Birthday, Barney Hanson!

Happy 90th Birthday, Barney!

Barney Hanson, born Feb. 25, 1926

Barney: Chubby toddler, dedicated sailor, talented athlete,

young father of five, proud grandfather of 12 and - life long role model.

Albert Bernard "Barney" Hanson was the eighth of 10 children born on Cedar Rapids' west side to Herbert and Mary Elizabeth (Fitzgerald)Hanson and at 13, was working after school and Saturdays at Gatto's Grocery for $7 a week. He joined the Navy in World War II, fought in the South Pacific, and saw the signing of the Japanese surrender from the deck of his ship, the BB-41 USS Mississippi.

Passionate about baseball and softball, Barney became an ace player and was inducted into the Cedar Rapids Softball Hall of Fame. Honing his skills, he made a fast pitch to Pat Steggall and they married on Nov. 19, 1955. They became wonderful parents to Steve Hanson, Amy (Stewart), Jane (Lasko), Ann (Sheetz), and Beth (Melchior). Barney served 31 years as maintenance supervisor for the Higley and Granby buildings.

Barney: Easy-going, hard-working, humorous, great story-teller.

Known by many, beloved by all.

Cards may be sent to:

1226 First Ave. NW

Cedar Rapids, IA 52405