Hanson, Robert Martin

Robert Martin Hanson, 81, of Elgin, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn.

Robert was born at home to Martin and Annie (Meyer) Hanson, southeast of Elgin, on Aug. 30, 1930. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1949 and was united in marriage to Beulah Hofer on Sept. 3, of the same year. He farmed the Hanson homestead with his wife and eight children. Robert became a jack of all trades. He cut wood, sold and repaired chain saws, applied anhydrous ammonia and sold life insurance.

Throughout his life, Robert had many passions. In his early years, he loved to hunt and became an excellent shot. He excelled in baseball, basketball, football and billiards. Robert loved fishing and had many secret fishing spots on the Mississippi River. When asked where he caught his fish he would reply, “On one side of the fish's mouth or the other.” Later he became an enthusiastic card player and was always ready for a pinochle game. From his teen years on he was a faithful Ford vehicle fan.

Robert enjoyed doing water aerobics, finding bargains and watching westerns. In water aerobics he moved from student to instructor encouraging family and friends to join him. He loved to shop for a deal. There wasn't a garage sale he didn't stop for. Robert enjoyed a good western, and the “Hallelujah Trail” was his favorite. He was a member and gave service in the Lions Club, St. Paul's United Methodist Church and the Independent Order of Foresters.

Robert enjoyed lending a hand to anyone who needed it. He was a good neighbor and friend. He chauffeured grandchildren, family and friends anywhere they needed to go. He was always ready for a road trip. Robert enriched many lives by being the family videographer. His extensive video library spans from 1981 through 2012. It includes birthdays, sporting events, holidays, plays, programs, musicals and graduations to name a few. He loved to share his tapes and DVDs with his family and friends.

Robert was a storyteller. His sense of humor was one of his strongest attributes. His blue eyes twinkled with delight when he told one of his many special stories or jokes. Even his whistling brought smiles. His positive and fun-loving spirit encouraged everyone he knew. His faith in the goodness of life inspired and guided his family.

Survivors include daughters, Diane (Jim) Kapalis of Bettendorf, and Janice (Gary Goodell) Hanson of Union Grove, Wis.; six sons, Donald (Patty) Hanson of Elgin, Dennis Hanson of Sussex, Wis., Tom (Jolene Brandenburg) Hanson of Elgin, Kenneth (Karla) Hanson of Elgin, Keith (Malinda) Hanson of Wadena, and Robert (Lesley) Hanson of Le Claire; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Alma Schreiner of West Union; and longtime friend and partner, Barbara Dennler of Elgin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beulah; and sisters, Alice Howard and Gladys Hanson.

Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elgin and one hour before services Thursday at the church. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elgin. Interment will in the Apostolic Cemetery, rural Elgin, Iowa.

Please direct memorials to Beulahland Christian Camp, P.O. Box 35, Elgin, IA 52141.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elgin, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.

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Published in The Gazette April 25, 2012.