Robert Silver Hanson Jr.

Robert Silver Hanson Jr.

POLSON - It is with heavy hearts we announce the loss of our husband, father, papa, friend and all-around great guy! Robert Silver Hanson Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, in Kalispell, Mont., surrounded by his family.

Robert was born in Ronan, Mont., to Bob and Mercedes Hanson. He attended schools in Ronan later graduating high school in 1958. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad. Rob worked at the Hanson Ford Motor Company, attending to the lot, washing and working on cars, and driving the wrecker truck. After high school, Rob attended Carroll College earning degrees in English and Philosophy. He always said his degrees helped him to be a master at Trivial Pursuit. Most importantly, during his time at Carroll, Rob met his sweetheart, Johanna C. Hanson.

Rob and Johanna married on December 26, 1965, in Anaconda, Mont. They started their lives together by moving to Butte, where they planted roots, made lifelong friends and raised their family of three boys, Chistopher, Peter and Andrew. Great memories were made on the ski hills, hunting and fishing, attending sports games, events and traveling to the family cabin on Flathead Lake.

Rob and Johanna have six grandchildren, Beau and Bailee (Chris and Lisa), Sarah and Matt (Pete and Amy), Maria and Drew (Andrew and Virginia). Being "Papa Rob" was his most treasured title. He never tired as the boat captain, pulling water skiers and tubers or taking the grandkids across the bay to jump off the cliffs. Rob and Johanna spent many vacations in Maui teaching their grandkids to boogie-board and swim with the waves. Many competitive games of pickleball were played on the Hanson pickleball court at Flathead.

Rob enjoyed multiple careers in Butte and Helena. Rob's first job was a Repo Man for the First Metals Bank, advancing to Vice President of Personnel over his 14-year career at the Bank. For his second career, Rob went to work for Daniels Insurance Agency where he was able to grow an even stronger relationship with the beloved Daniel family and the Butte Community. Also, during this time, Rob was the founding partner of the Butte Super 8 Motel, which opened in 1985. In 1991, Rob and Johanna purchased a business in Helena. They moved to Helena and managed the Helena Stamp Works & Engraving for 10 years before retiring. During his years working in Butte and Helena, he was most proud of the many relationships and friends he made over the years. He considered his friends from work to be family.

Rob's hobbies were vast and always included family and friends. Rob loved hitting the slopes, he and Warren Miller were first in line for Big Sky's grand opening in 1973. Growing up in the car business, Rob was a car guy, owning, restoring and collecting a 1968 Porsche 912 Targa, 1915 Model T, 1929 Model A Woody, 1951 Ford Woody. He loved a good book, and sharing books with family and friends. He enjoyed everything sports, golfing, bicycling, attending Grizzly games, and watching March Madness were some of his favorites. He loved hearing and telling a good story.

Rob was preceded in death by infant brother, John Hanson; parents, Mercedes Guyette Hanson and Robert (Bob) Hanson; aunt, Helen Guyett, aunt, Sarah Jean Hanson; uncle, Hilbert Hanson; cousins, Doug and Vicky Hanson.

Rob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Johanna; sons, Chris (Lisa), Pete (Amy), Andrew (Virginia); grandchildren, Beau, Bailee, Sarah and fiancé, Matt, Matt, Maria, Drew.

A funeral service will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 12 p.m. Following the service, there will be a reception at the Church and cemetery ceremonies at 3:30.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Alzheimer organization (www.alz.org), or to the greater Polson Foundation (www.greaterpolsoncommunityfoundation.org). Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.