Stephen C. Hanson

MARQUETTE, MI – Stephen C. Hanson, age 86, a lifelong Marquette resident, entered eternal life on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Trillium House, in the loving, comforting care of his family and the Trillium staff.

Steve was born November 18, 1939, in Marquette, and was a proud product of South Marquette. He grew up with the usual boyhood pursuits of sports participation, enjoying softball and especially hockey-both of which carried into his adulthood. He graduated from Bishop Baraga High School, Class of 1957.

In May of 1963, Steve entered the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1965 with the rank of sergeant. After returning home, he later met Myra Strom, on a blind date arranged by friends, Don and Carol Koski, while Myra was in nurses training. The couple was married on October 7, 1967, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba. Together, they made their home in Marquette, moving into the house Steve was in the process of building, and where they raised their four sons.

For a time, Steve was employed at Northwest Radio before beginning a 30-year career as a driver for United Parcel Service (UPS). He had some challenging routes over the years, covering Downtown Marquette, Third Street, the Medical Center, and Big Bay. Despite the demands, Steve was always pleasant, smiling, and efficient, earning the respect of both his coworkers and customers alike.

Following his retirement from UPS, Steve remained active working for Dressler Mechanical, where he proudly gave himself the job title of "Plumber's Gofer." He retired from Dressler at age 68.

At home, Steve enjoyed following the sporting activities of his sons, completing renovation projects on his house, hauling fill dirt for his huge backyard, and watching football, baseball, and hockey on television. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Detroit Red Wings fan. Steve enjoyed recalling his hockey days, playing with the Marquette Flyers as their goalie and actively played into adulthood, beginning at the old Palestra where the guys would contribute $1.00 each to pay for the $20 ice rental. He also played fast-pitch softball for the Holiday Inn. Steve was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church.

Steve is survived by his wife of 58 years, Myra; his sons, Brett (Tammy) Hanson, Blaine (David) Jeske, Jerrod (Melissa Larson-Maki) Hanson, and Kip (Danielle) Hanson; his grandchildren, Tyler (Justine) Hanson, Trevor (VaDawn Wagnitz) Hanson, Zack (Alyssa) Fredin, Jennifer Fredin, Madilyn (Delaney McSweeney) Hanson, Jillian Hanson, and Evelyn Hanson; his great-granddaughter, Aili Hanson. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Mary (Tom) Ross and brother-in-law, John Strom; and a special nephew, Brian (Alicia) Parlato; numerous cousins; and special lifelong friends, Jerry (Kathy) Farrell and Austin "Ozzie" (Janet) O'Neill.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Helen (Smith) Hanson, and several aunts and uncles.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the exceptional staff of Trillium House and UP Home Health and Hospice for their professional and compassionate care of Steve and for the many kindnesses extended to the family. Your care, patience, and friendship added greatly to the quality of his life, and we are forever appreciative of your efforts on his behalf and ours.

Services for Steve will be held at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Friday, February 6. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 12:00 noon, with Rev. Dan Moll, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trillium House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI 49855, or to St. Christopher Catholic Church, 2372 Badger Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed and an obituary viewed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.