Gerald Hanson

GERALD HANSON

Solon

Gerald Eugene "Jerry" Hanson's earthly journey ended Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, after a long illness. A celebration gathering of Jerry's life will be from

11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Celebration Farm on Highway 1, where there will be a time of reflection at noon with the Rev. Scott Kober presiding. A time for food and fellowship will follow. Brosh Chapel in Solon is assisting the family.

Jerry was born in Iowa City on Feb. 7, 1936, to George and Lucille (McBride) Hanson. He attended Iowa City schools graduating from City High with the class of 1955. Jerry purchased the William Sewell Company, a building restoration business with his brother, Robert, shortly after graduation. He became sole owner and restored scores of buildings in Eastern Iowa cities and towns from McGregor to Keokuk. His company restored many of the schools, churches and private homes in Iowa City, plus many University of Iowa buildings. The business was turned over in 1987 to Jerry's stepson, Duane Eash, who continues to work under the William Sewell Company name.

Jerry married Diane Petsel in 1956, divorcing in 1971. He married Sandra (Corbin-Little-Eash) in 1973, and moved to Solon to an 1850 farmhouse that he fully restored, where they started an antique business. On the grounds he added a pre-Civil War iron fence, a gazebo and pergola, later adding a pole barn to house antiques and tuckpointing equipment. He continued to restore and refinish antiques for over 30 years. The couple participated in antique shows in the Chicago area for over 25 years and in Des Moines for 15 years, selling hundreds of pieces of restored furniture. They organized a Fourth of July antique show in 1980 on their property in Solon that ran for 34 years featuring over 100 exhibitors and drawing over 5,000 antiquers. The many gardens around the grounds were Jerry's particular pride and joy and were as popular as the many antiques that were displayed over the years.

Jerry loved dogs, cats and flowers, in that order and it was not uncommon to see him in his van with his dog, Hershey, up on the dash on the way to the post office.

Jerry will be sorely missed by his survivors, his wife, Sandy; his daughter, Kim Hertel (Steve Stone) of Washington; his stepsons, David (Laurie) Eash of Solon, Duane (Georgia) Eash of Mount Vernon and Matthew Eash of Iowa City; along with his six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is his brother, Robert (Phyllis) Hanson of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lavon; brothers, Arnold, Lyle and Jerome; and daughter, Joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in his name at P.O. Box 99, Solon, IA 52333.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.