Charles A. Hanson

1927 - 2025

Charles A. Hanson

September 15, 1927 - July 6, 2025

Charles A. Hanson, 97, Moline, Ill., passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at his home under the care of hospice and surrounded by his family. There will be a visitation from 3 to 4 p.m., with a memorial service following at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. The service will be livestreamed and recorded. It can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/1099021330/a868d10d55. Memorials may be made to the family and will be given to a charity that will be chosen at a later date.

Charles Albert Hanson was born September 15, 1927, in Ottawa, Ill., to Leslie C. and Alene Burress Hanson. The family moved to Rock Island in 1940. Chuck graduated from Rock Island High School and the University of Iowa with a degree in Industrial Engineering.

At the university, he was a member and president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and was elected to membership in Pi Tau Sigma, an honorary engineering fraternity. He also was in the Navy, training to be a pilot.

In 1950, he married his college sweetheart, Jean Gordon and together they had four loving children, known as Steve, Pam, Terry and Chuck to friends and family.

His work career started at the National Carbon Company in Niagara Falls, N.Y. In 1953, he joined Deere and Company as an industrial engineer. Later he became a manager of manufacturing activities at Deere factories in Dubuque and Waterloo, Iowa, and East Moline, Ill. He became an officer responsible for corporate-wide industrial relations, human resources and industrial engineering functions. He was a member of the Deere & Company Board of Directors.

Chuck was involved in many civic and professional activities including the Waterloo Commission on Human Rights, Associated Employees of the Quad Cities, Iowa Health Planning Council, American Cancer Society and others.

Upon retiring, he and his beloved wife Jean enjoyed spending winter months in Florida, Arizona and California. They loved their family and the activities they did together. They were a devoted couple.

Chuck had many hobbies. He was known in the Quad Cities for his passion for magic and was a member of the Quad Cities Magic Club for over 80 years. He continued to attend club meetings until recently.

He also was an avid fisherman, winning many awards on his annual trips with his "Orioles" fishing buddies. Music played a major role in his life as well. He was a jazz aficionado, spending much time listening to jazz, collecting albums, as well as tickling the keyboards at home.

Chuck's greatest love was for his wife and family. He was smart, funny, and always ready to help his "gang." As his cousin said upon learning of his passing, "Chuck Hanson was and remains the nicest man I've ever known."

He is survived by his children, Stephen (Joyce) Hanson of Naples, Fla., Pamela Hanson of Santa Cruz, Calif., Terry (Shelley) of East Moline, Ill.; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean; his parents; and son, Charles R. Hanson.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.wheelanpressly.com.