Dale Hanson

Dale Hanson, 71, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones and under the compassionate care of hospice. In accordance with God’s plan, Dale’s passing was calm and filled with grace. He faced his battle with cancer and kidney disease with remarkable patience, perseverance and unwavering positivity.

Graveside memorial services will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, summer 2026 with a luncheon to follow at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee, Iowa.  The Boothby Funeral Home of Cherokee, Iowa is assisting the family with local arrangements. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Whitewater Crossing Church, 5771 Hamilton Cleves Road, Cleves, OH 45002, Entrance 3, on Jan. 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. Visitation will be held at church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. A second service will be held later next year in Cherokee.

Dale was born on Dec. 27, 1953, in Vermillion, S.D., to Palmer and Ruth (Weins) Hanson. He graduated from Cherokee High School in 1972 and continued his education at Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in aerospace engineering. Following graduation, Dale was recruited by Procter & Gamble, where he built a distinguished 38-year career traveling in the U.S. and aboard as a logistics engineer before retiring.

In retirement, Dale especially treasured time spent traveling with his wife and completing projects around their home and for their children. He religiously made annual trips back to Iowa to visit his mother and family. His mother, Ruth, will miss his nightly check-in calls. Dale found joy in being productive, helpful and present for those he loved.

Dale was a man of integrity, kindness and quiet wisdom. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear. His life reflected his deep love for Christ and his steadfast trust in God’s promises. As a youth, he was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cherokee. In Ross, Ohio, he was an active member of Venice Presbyterian Church for 33 years. At his passing, he was an active member of Whitewater Crossing Christian Church in Cleves, Ohio.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Melanie (Shaw) Hanson of Hamilton, Ohio. He was a devoted father to Jennifer Hanson, Megan (Matt) Stasi and Blake (Reagan) Shaw. Dale was a proud and loving grandfather to Brandon Hanson; Mila, Owen and Levi Stasi; and Rowan, Asher and Bennett Shaw.

He is also survived by his mother Ruth Hanson of Cherokee; his brother Lyle (Darlene) Hanson of Whittier, Calif., mother-in-law Shirley (Bill) Knollman of Harrison, Ohio, and stepmother-in-law Nina (Gary) Shaw of Brookville, Ind.; along with extended family and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Palmer Hanson; brother Leon Hanson of Cherokee; and father-in-law Gary Shaw of Brookville, Ind.

Dale’s family was his greatest earthly blessing.

Those who knew Dale will remember his gentle spirit, strong faith, generosity and thoughtful nature. He appreciated the simple things in life, planned carefully for the future and lived with quiet purpose. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and strong family values that will continue to guide those who loved him.

Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the hope we have through Jesus Christ, trusting that Dale is now at peace and welcomed home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

Any memorial contributions in Dale’s honor may be directed to Suncrest Hospice (suncrestcare.com), International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES.org), American Cancer Society (cancer.org) or the American Kidney Fund (kidneyfund.org)