Eldon L. Hanson

With his family at his side, Eldon Laverne Hanson, 74, of Missoula was welcomed into Jesus' arms on Saturday, October 9, 2010, at St. Patrick Hospital following a valiant seven year battle with leukemia.

Eldon was born June 17, 1936, in Ambrose, North Dakota, the son of the late Eldon Henry and Metta Christine (Larsen) Hanson. He was raised in a farming community on the Montana - North Dakota border. He graduated from Westby High School in 1955 and attended Concordia College.

In the summer of 1957, Eldon met the love of his life, Shirley Jane Sorensen, at a Luther League convention in Sidney, Montana. It was at that point that they began their life of making music together. The couple married July 27, 1958 in Sidney, this past July they celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. To this union were born his four beloved children: Tamara Lynn, Trevor Lowell, Troy Laverne, and Tara Leigh. He was forever proud of their life accomplishments.

In 1962 Eldon graduated from Eastern Montana College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. Eldon earned his Masters in Education from the University of Wyoming in 1973. It was while attending college that Eldon enlisted in the army reserve.

Eldon was a well respected and dynamic high school science teacher for 15 years in Montana and remained ever the teacher to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 1976 he was recruited by Aid Association for Lutherans to sell life insurance in Missoula and the surrounding areas. He retired from AAL/Thrivent after 25 years.

Eldon's life revolved around his family and his Church. Upon moving to Missoula in 1976, he and his family became members of Atonement Lutheran Church. Eldon held many council positions throughout the years, sang in the choir, played saxophone in the band, cooked Easter breakfast, and attended the weekly men's breakfast.

Eldon was a member and past president of The Life Underwriters' Association, involved in the Good Sam's Club, Habitat for Humanity, a member of the Hospice Ball committee since its inception, and many other worthy organizations.

Eldon enjoyed his family and community. He loved horseback riding, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, hunting, golfing, pinochle, and attending the school and sporting events of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Eldon also enjoyed playing saxophone with the A-Tones, a small band originating at his church that entertained in the community and surrounding areas (most recently performing at this year's Nordic Fest in Libby and Good Sam's meeting in Missoula).

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents.

Eldon is survived by his loving, wife Shirley, as well as his children Tammy and Don Fowler of Lincoln and children Becky and Chad; Trevor and Sandy Hanson of Missoula and children Olivia, and Nickolas and Ryan Talbot; Troy and Kerry Hanson of Hamilton and children Tristan and Tanner; and Tara and Clint Ramer of Missoula and children Shelby and Jack. He was also blessed with four great grandchildren Mason Fowler, Aspen and Reece Fowler and Alexa Hanson.

He is also survived by his siblings; Jean and Oz Anderson, Barb and Gene Espeland, Mary and Norman Hagen, Sharon and Jim Ward, Sandra and Fred McCracken and many cherished nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends.

The family wishes to give a special thank you to Dr. Speckert, Dr. Linda Ries, and the other amazing "angels" at The Montana Cancer Center.

Eldon was an inspiration to us all. "Your attitude is a choice. Everyday you have a choice to make your day a good day or a bad day. I choose to always make my days good days!"

The family suggests that memorials be made to Atonement Lutheran Church, Habitat for Humanity, or Hospice Care Foundation.