John A. Hanson

Remembering John A. Hanson…

John was born on January 27, 1944 to Lorene L. Lowry Hanson and Albert T. Hanson. John left this world on October 16, 2020 and was welcomed to his heavenly home by our Mom, Dad and our brother, Michael D. Hanson, with the greatest kisses and hugs ever imagined. John is with all of our loved ones that we miss every day and when it’s our turn to make that journey, they will all be there to welcome us home and we can all be together again.

John’s nickname growing up was “Happy” because he was always smiling. John grew up in Brightwood and played basketball for St. Francis de Sales Grade School and Cathedral High School.  From that point on, he became known as “Big John.”  He always bragged about his 56 Ford with ‘Only the Lonely’ written on the side panel and enjoyed cruising the Tee Pee Restaurant while listening to one of his favorite singers, Brenda Lee.  John enjoyed bowling with our Dad in the Schwitzer Bowling League at the Meadows Bowling Alley, Hindel Bowling Lanes and Expo Bowl.

John loved watching football and basketball.  His favorite college team was Notre Dame.  His favorite NBA team was the Pacers going all the way back to the A.B.A. days.

John was as an installer for Aero Draperies and Beitman Interiors for 20 years.  He was a courier for Federal Express for 22 years starting in 1984 and retiring in 2006.  During his retirement, John was a transport driver for Enterprise Rental Car part-time. Hence, John really retired in 2017 and welcomed not having to set his alarm and be ‘on the clock’.  He could now fully enjoy his retirement.

John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Donna Coffey Hanson.  He was a loving father to John A. Hanson (Melinda) and Veronica K. Hanson (C.J.) Goodspeed and to his stepchildren, Doris Pressly (Rick) O’Connor, Misty Pressly (Barry Combs) and Jessie Pressly, who proceeded him.

He was a proud grandfather to Mirandi, Forrest, Desiree, Carey, Hunter, Brittny, Brooke and Destiny, who proceeded him.  He was a great grandfather to Gabriella, Kaleb, Emma, Ella, Jolie and Abigail.

He was a loving brother to Cheryl J. Hanson (Louis) Banholzer, David W. Hanson (Elizabeth Tucker) and Darrell G. (Dianne) Hanson.

He was a loving uncle to Louis C. Banholzer, Carissa Banholzer Hodges and Nicholas B. Hanson.

Reflecting back…when our Dad passed away, one of his friends and fellow bowling buddies wrote, “There is one way I will be constantly aware of him and his presence…on a warm summer day in June…when a sudden summer shower comes up…and there is what seems to be the faint echo of distant thunder…I will know that is not thunder…it’s just Al practicing his spares somewhere off behind the clouds while he waits for his old bowling buddies to come join him in that game that last forever…good bowling Al!”

I know, now, we can add John to be another member of the team and whenever we hear thunder…we know that they are having a great time.  Good bowling John!

John was a lot of different things to many people. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and cousin to all of the family.  John could make anyone laugh whether it be a friend, co-worker or a complete stranger.

To us, he was our brother, our big brother.  Our hearts are heavy and there will always be an empty spot only John can fill.  We will all remember John in our own special way.

John, we all love and miss you!    And…Go Irish!