Derek Richard Hanson

Derek Richard Hanson, 37, of Medford, died unexpectedly on May 9, 2025.

Derek was born March 3, 1988 in Medford to Richard Hanson and Renee (Dunow) Rickert. He grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford High School in 2006.

Following high school, Derek had various positions in hospitality and food service. Any job he had was a means to fund his real passion for hiking, traveling and anything outdoors. His major hiking achievements include: The Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and the Arizona State Trail. In his youth, Derek enjoyed hunting and fishing. As he grew, so did his love for nature and the outdoors. He was bold and brave and jumped into any adventure feet first. He enjoyed ghost hunting adventures with his sisters, storm chasing, metal detecting with his dad, and shopping with his mom! His welcoming personality made him easy to be around, funny, well-liked and definitely a people person.

He will be sadly missed by his mother, Renee (Brian) Rickert of Medford; father, Richard "Rick" Hanson of Medford; maternal grandmother, Judy Dunow of Abbotsford; sisters, Abby Hanson (Ted Lewis) of Ladysmith, Amanda (Brian) Vork of Minneapolis, MN; step-brother, Brock (Kari) Rickert of Medford; nieces and nephews, Evan Fleischmann, Wyatt Ostrowski, Jessie Lewis, all of Ladysmith, Lydia Hanson of Minneapolis, Blair Wisniewski and Cora Rickert, both of Medford; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, William Dunow; paternal grandparents, Jane (John) Meschefkse, and Leroy Hanson.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in the town of Holway. A graveside service will follow in the church cemetery at 12 p.m., with Pastor Barb Krug, SAM officiating. Lunch will be served in the church fellowship after the committal service.

Memorials are preferred to the family and will be designated at a later date.