Jerry Willard Hanson

Jerry Willard Hanson 73, of Missoula, passed away Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, from natural causes.

He was born in Missoula on Aug. 8, 1941, to Edwin Miller Hanson and Julia Olena Bakke-Hanson. He was a second-generation Missoulian and graduated from Missoula County High School.

In 1962 after he graduated from high school, he joined the Army and was in basic training at Fort Ord, California. After basic training, he returned to Montana and completed five years of service in the National Guard. On Jan. 16, 1968, he married Patricia A. Landgraf in Couer d'Alene, Idaho. He worked for four years as a fireman for the Missoula Rural Fire Department. In 1976 he left the fire department to work for U.S. Plywood, which later became Stimson Lumber Products in Bonner. He retired from the mill after about 30 years.

Jerry had many things that he loved to do. He enjoyed being in the outdoors, hunting, camping and fishing. Flathead Lake became a very important place to Jerry. He always looked forward to spending the summers on the family property with numerous friends and family. He was an avid cribbage player and really enjoyed skunking any opponent he had the chance to – especially the kids and grandkids. His family was his world and they never doubted for one second his unconditional love for them. He was very social and loved being with people. Everyone he met were instantly treated like they were part of the gang. He was known for his ornery streak and he loved to tell stories and jokes to anyone who he could get to listen. He was a very gentle and simple man. His outgoing nature and love for life was contagious.

He was a member of various organizations such as Bagdad Shrine Temple, Bitterroot Shrine Club, Masonic Sentinel Lodge 155, Bitterroot Midget Patrol, American Legion Post #27 and a past member of The Eagles.

Jerry was a loving son, husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. Jerry will be missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know him. Forever in our minds we will remember the twinkle in his eye and his mischievous smile. Most importantly we will remember his loving touch, extreme loyalty and unyielding love.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Miller Hanson and Julia Olena Bakke Hanson.

He is survived by his wife Pat; son Jerry C. Hanson, wife Karen and grandchildren Jasmine, Kenzie and Reganne; and daughter Mary Trochmann, husband Scott and grandson Kade, all from Missoula; daughter Terry Lee Hanson-Ryan, husband Joe and grandchildren Michael and Jake of Boise, Idaho; sister Cec and husband Jim Burton of Rockford, Washington; brother Bruce and wife Gayle Hanson of Harrison, Idaho; brother Mardy Hanson and Darlene of Post Falls, Idaho; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. We must also mention all of his children's friends that he lovingly considered "his kids."

The funeral will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Friday, March 6, with Pastor Chris Flohr. The reception will immediately follow the service.
Read Jerry Hanson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.