Michael Hanson

July 29, 1943 - December 18, 2009, 66. Belvidere, Illinois. Mike Hanson passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 18, 2009. He was born on July 29,1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Mary Margaret and Howard "Mickey" Hanson. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Joyce (Lembcke) Hanson for 45 years. A loving father to his sons, Michael James Hanson of Long Beach, California, Erik John Hanson of Woodstock, Illinois and his daughter, Karen Kristine (Dan) Beard of Belvidere. He was a beloved grandfather to his two granddaughters, Michaela and Kathryn Beard, whom he adored. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his sister, Nancy (Doug) Edson of Anoka Minnesota and his brother Donald (Terri)Hanson of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and many nieces nephews and grand nieces and nephews Mike was a Harvard resident for 43 years he graduated from Harvard High School. He received his BS degree from Columbia College and his Master's Degree from Webster University. Mike was affectionately known as "Bear" to his many friends. He was an avid, Chicago Cubs, Bears and Bulls fan. Mike retired after 35 years from Singer/Eaton Co. as Plant Manger, primarily in Crystal Lake, but also managed in Winterset, Iowa, Athens, Alabama and Manchester, Indiana. He enjoyed serving as a Durham/Jones school bus driver in Belvidere for the last 8 years after moving to Belvidere from Harvard in 2001. Visitation for friends and a family will be Tuesday, December 22, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Poplar Grove United Methodist Church in Poplar Grove, Illinois. Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Lisa Kruse-Safford. A lunch will follow at the church. Memorials: Interment will be in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Harvard, Illinois. Arrangements by Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home & Crematorium. For information please call 847-678-1950. www.sax-tiedemann.com