"I have many good memories of times with both your Dad and Mom. They were so good to me when I stayed with you in SSC. So sorry for your loss. God Bless all of you."
In loving memory of
Kerry Hanson
September 9, 1935 - May 6, 2019
Kerry Hanson, 83, of Sioux City, Iowa, and formerly of Yankton, South Dakota, and South Sioux City, Nebraska, died Monday, May 6, 2019, in Sioux City, Iowa, following a brief illness.
Services at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2019, at Mohr Funeral Home, South Sioux City, Nebraska with the Rev. Paul Peterson officiating. Visitation with family present will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 12, 2019. Burial with military rites by the South Sioux City American Legion will be in Eastview Cemetery, Allen, Nebraska.
Kerry was born September 9, 1935, in Maskell, Nebraska to Lloyd and Bernadette (Michaels) Hanson. He attended country school near Dixon, Nebraska, and graduated from Allen High School. He joined the United States Navy in 1954. After many "snail mail" letters were sent across the ocean to the love of his life, he convinced his love (with the help of his brother Ben) to run off with him and he married LeeJean (Jeannie)McCaw on April 15, 1957, in Luverne, Minnesota. They raised four children while Kerry was stationed in several foreign countries until he retired in 1974 while stationed in Rota, Spain, as an NSA officer. Kerry lost his love in 2003, but not a day went by that he didn't recall fond memories of their life together.
Kerry was a member of the South Sioux City American Legion, the Yankton VFW, the Fleet Reserve Association, and the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association. He also volunteered at the Veterans Hospital in Sioux Falls, the South Sioux City Avenue of Flags, and Meals-On-Wheels.
Kerry loved his country. He was a diehard Nebraska Cornhusker fan. He enjoyed gardening, children, visiting with the elderly and caring for veterans. Kerry was very fond of socializing with his many friends at the local pubs in Yankton, Newcastle, South Sioux City, and many towns inbetween. Kerry met many new friends after moving to assisted living at Floyd Place where he shared a place at the table with Dewey and Gerald. Cliff was invited to join their table, but, rumor has it, Cliff was worried that group of pranksters could end up in jail. He was fortunate to have a wonderful brother, Ben (who Kerry always referred to as his best friend) visit him often. Kerry looked forward to their long road trips in the country.
He is survived by two sons: Michael (Patty), South Sioux City; and Richard (Diane), Vermillion; two daughters: Carie LaBrie (Dennis McElwain), Sioux City; and Deborah (Dan) Lieber, South Sioux City; one brother (and best friend), Ben Hanson; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; including two surrogate grandchildren/neighbors from Yankton, Devin Clark and Natasha Clark.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lloyd and Bernadette (Michaels) Hanson; brothers, Lloyd, John Hanson, Steve Hanson, and his twin brother, Kirk Hanson; and his sister, Bernadette Ehlers.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Siouxland Freedom Park, P.O. Box 1356, Sioux City, IA 51102.
Tributes
"Carrie and Deb. This is Renee Murray. I believe both of you babysat for Mike and I. We had the twins Sean and Jennifer and then Lindsay. We had many fun times with your mom and dad when you lived next to Rod and Sam. Didn't know your mom had also passed. My condolences on your loss. "
"I cannot thank the Hanson family enough for my time with Kerry at Floyd Place. Kerry left a memory with everyone he was around. His sense of humor and fun attitude make for great friendships and my work life and leasure life is better for have known him. Thank you Keri and Deb for the relationships i had with you as well and to all the family of Kerry, i am so sorry for your loss."
"Grandpa Kerry was a great man and patriot. Rest easy grandpa. I love you."
"I worked with Kerry at KD Station from 1974 -1979. We had a lot of laughs and good times. Great guy and great family. I Remember playing cribbage over lunch. Rich and family we offer our sincere condolences. Lohry Family"