HANSON, Robert Martin - 1930-2012

HANSON, MEYER, HOFER, KAPALIS, GOODELL, BRANDENBURG, SCHREINER, DENNLER, HOWARD

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 6/16/2018 at 17:22:50

SOURCE: Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa funeral brochure
Contributor: Connie Ellis (Not related)

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service was held for Robert Martin Hanson, age 81, of Elgin, Iowa at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Elgin with Rev. Rick Johnson officiating. Pallbearers were his sons and honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment was in the Apostolic Cemetery in rural Elgin, Iowa.

Robert Martin Hanson passed away Sunday April 22, 2012 at the St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born to Martin and Annie (Meyer) Hanson at their farm home southeast of Elgin on August 30, 1930. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1949 and was united in marriage to Beulah Hofer on September 3, 1949. 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. He 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, 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.

Most of all, 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.

Robert Martin Hanson is survived by his daughters, Diane (Jim) Kapalis of Bettendorf, Iowa, Janice (Gary Goodell) Hanson of Union Grove, Wisconsin; six sons, Donald (Patty) Hanson of Elgin, Dennis Hanson of Sussex, Wisconsin, Tom (Jolene Brandenburg) Hanson of Elgin, Kenneth (Karla) Hanson of Elgin, Keith (Malinda) Hanson of Wadena, and Robert (Lesley) Hanson of LeClaire, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister Alma Schreiner of West Union, Iowa, and long time friend and partner Barbara Dennler of Elgin.

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

Fayette Obituaries maintained by Constance Diamond.
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