Walter Hanson

WALTER HANSON

Cedar Rapids

Walter Edward Hanson, 84, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015, at his home. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Oct. 31, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Walter was born Feb. 13, 1931, the son of Herbert and Mary (Fitzpatrick) Hanson in Cedar Rapids. He was the youngest of 10 children, with five brothers and four sisters. He attended school at St. Patrick's in Cedar Rapids, where he then graduated. While he was a student, he was elected as an All City Guard for basketball, and then selected to attend Boys State, where he was elected sheriff.

Walter started playing softball on the playground at Roosevelt when he was 10 years old. He then started playing in the Kid League with Killian's Department Store as a sponsor. After high school, he played catcher and first base for the Danceland fast pitch softball team. They were the first team in Cedar Rapids to win a state title. Walter then continued to play 16-inch slow pitch softball for Happy Time as a catcher and third baseman. They were the first 16-inch slow pitch team to win a state title in Cedar Rapids. He got his nickname "Turtle" from not being the fastest runner on the bases! Walter later played 16-inch slow pitch for St. Jude's in the local church league. He spent many years coaching his daughters in the Cedar Hills Booster Club softball program. Walter was inducted into the Cedar Rapids Hall of Fame for slow and fast pitch softball in 1988.

On May 30, 1955, he was married to Kathaleen Mickelsen at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where he was a lifetime member. Walter worked for Iowa manufacturing for 43 years before retiring in 1993. He received an award for his service to Cedarapids Inc. as Service School instructor.

In his younger years, Walter enjoyed playing softball, fishing and golf. He was an avid bowler, starting in the 1950s until just recently. He has even bowled two 300 games! Walter greatly enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes and golf. He's recently spent many summer days watching his granddaughter play softball and his great-grandson play baseball and hockey.

Walter had a love for Western movies and has seen many of them. He also enjoyed attending social events at the VFW, such as bingo and brunch.

Walter served in the Marine Corps Helicopter Division during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. He was a life member of the Marine Corps of Cedar Rapids and of VFW Post 788. Walter was Marine of the Year from 2002 to 2003. The highlight of recent years was going on the Honor Flight in May 2013 with his grandson, Brian, as his attendant.

He is survived by his wife, Kathaleen Hanson; children, Debra (Don) Krall, Kay Hanson, Tina Hanson, Karen (Mark) Burgart and Nancy Hanson; grandchildren, Brian (Sheena) Krall, Alicia (Anthony Snodey) Krall, Bailey Burgart and Cason Burgart; great-grandchildren, Cael Krall, Amayah Snodey, Adrian Snodey, Dynasty Snodey and Anthony Snodey; sister, Cathryn Hayward; and brother, Barney (Pat) Hanson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William (Hazel) Hanson, Herbert Hanson, Harry Hanson and Robert Hanson; sisters, Margaret Fitzpatrick, Gerri Elias and Dorothy Anderson; and brothers-in-law, Ray Hayward, Charlie Fitzpatrick, Frank Elias and Bill Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the VFW, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Marine Corps League or Hospice of Mercy.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.