Thomas R. Hanson

1949 - 2021

Thomas R. Hanson

May 12, 1949-August 24, 2021

DAVENPORT-Thomas R. Hanson, 72, of Davenport, passed away Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 30, 2021, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until service time at the church. Memorials may be made to Camp Shalom or to One Eighty in Davenport.

Thomas (better known as Tom) was born on May 12, 1949, in Willmar, MN, the son of Roger and Virginia (Lind) Hanson. He married Karin Strom in 1974 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport. Tom attended the University of Dubuque for two years on a football scholarship and graduated with his Bachelor's Degree from Southwest Minnesota State University. Tom came to Iowa for his job with the Davenport Chamber of Commerce. He then worked for 3M, Caterpillar, and Woodhaven. His last job before retirement was as a self-employed contractor for his business, Benchmark Services. He did remodeling, framing, room additions, and had many other special skills. During his work at Benchmark Services, he won an Historic Preservation Award for a home he renovated while keeping the features of the original home.

When Tom wasn't working, he did a lot of reading and golfing. Recently he shot a 69, which he was proud of since it was 3 shots under his age. He spent a lot of time in his garage workshop, working on projects and watching sports on TV, especially when the Minnesota Vikings or Gophers were playing. He loved working with wood. He would have family members, friends, or Karin request something to be made or pick from projects he had already done. It seemed like he could create almost anything made from wood! For wedding gifts for family (especially nieces and nephews), he would ask them what piece of furniture they would like him to make for them and then build a custom-designed gift for their home. He also made flag cases to be given to the families of Veterans.

Tom was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, and was in the Optimist Club. Tom's family was very important to him, and he and Karin loved visiting with them, here in Davenport or at their homes. Also, over the years, Tom and Karin owned four dogs named Arnold, Winnie, Max, and Caddy (note the golf connection) whom they both loved dearly.

Tom is survived by his wife, Karin Hanson; foster sons, Hung Tran and Chee Peng; daughter-in-law, Dung Le; grandchildren, Alexi Tran, Tommy Tran, and Nicholas Hong; and great granddaughter, Aria Yang; sister, Jen (Duane) Breczinski; 3 sisters-in-law; 3 brothers-in-law; and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Allan Hanson.

Tom will be greatly missed by many people!

Online condolences may be left to Tom's family at www.wheelanpressly.com.