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Donald G. ‘Don’ Hanson, 82

Donald G. “Don” Hanson, 82, passed away, in the comfort of family, on July 5, 2017, at Schneidmiller Hospice House, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after an extended illness.

Don was born a proud Norwegian heritage to Pete and Geneva Hanson on Aug. 17, 1934, at Mayville, N.D., along with his twin brother, David.

Don served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. The following years included attendance at a vocational school and he worked thereafter as a printer in Minneapolis/St. Paul until retirement.

In 2014, Don and Willette moved from Minnesota to Coeur d’Alene where they enjoyed being close to family. Good friends came easily and were so supportive in these last years.

A deeply devoted husband, loving father and grandfather was Don; he loved his siblings and extended family and any time spent with them. Sustaining him through his last years were his zest for life and love of sports, flowers, music, dancing, and visiting with friends and family.

Don was preceded in death by his loving son, Dan; his parents; siblings Perdin, Madelyn and Arvid; and nieces Myrna and Rita.

His survivors include his wife, Willette; children Dona (Dan) Arlt of North Caroline; Dean of Wisconsin and Dale (Lois) of Wisconsin. Stepchildren are Steven (Karen) Ness of Vermont; Jon (Pam) Ness of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and Dan (Laurie) Ness or North Carolina. Don leaves behind 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings are David (Jan) Hanson of Mound, Minn.; Dorothy Morey and Diane (Joe) Dahlheim of Coeur d’Alene. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Don, you made us laugh with your sense of humor, storytelling and you loved us without expecting anything in return.

In keeping with Don’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at the Meadow Ranch Community Clubhouse in Coeur d’Alene at a later date. English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial donation suggestion, if you wish, is to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

Please visit Don’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

“The ache for Home lies in all of us. The Safe Place where we can go as we are.” — Maya Angelou