William C. "Bill" Hanson

William C. (Bill) Hanson

July 2, 1937 - Dec. 29, 2023

HELENA - William C. (Bill) Hanson of Helena, MT, died on December 29, 2023. Bill was born on July 2, 1937, in Wolf Point, MT.

After graduating from high school in Wolf Point, Bill attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History. He also did graduate study at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT.

After graduating from Concordia in 1960, Bill became a teacher in Culbertson, MT. Irene Iverson, who taught in the neighboring town of Bainville, caught his eye. Bill and Irene were married on May 31, 1962. Their son, Jay, was born in Culbertson in 1964. That same year, Bill, Irene, and Jay moved to Helena and Bill became a teacher at Helena High School. Their daughter, Jennifer, was born in Helena five years later in 1969.

After a few years of teaching, Bill moved into a journalism career lasting over 20 years. The highlight of Bill's career included reporting on government affairs for United Press International (UPI), where he covered nine sessions of the Montana Legislature. He leveraged his skills in writing and communication throughout his career to cover political campaigns, developments in education, courts, local and state economies. He retired in 2007 from the Department of Environmental Quality with the State of Montana.

Bill loved reading and would often be found with a book in hand. Fun times were spent with his immediate and extended family in Florida, California, Minnesota, Arizona, and on the Swan River. More recently, he was happy when Jennifer and Thad returned to Montana in 2021 with frequent gatherings and visits.

Bill is survived by his wife, Irene; his daughter, Jennifer (Thad) Tudor; and sibling, Barbara (Lawrence) Tveten. His grandchildren include: Maria Ylvisaker, Luke and Jack Tudor. Bill is preceded in death by his parents; son, Jay; and siblings: Wayne and Eugene.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

If you wish to send a memorial, please send to Helena Food Share or St. Peter's Hospice.

Simple Cremation of Montana has assisted the family.

Remembrances and condolences may be sent to the family at simplecremationmt.com.