Brian A Hanson, 72, died at home in Bloomingdale, IL on July 3, 2022. He was the third son born on January 23rd, 1950 to Harland Gordon Hanson and Mermon Cosby Hanson in Saint Louis, Missouri.

He was involved in many activities during his school days in Downers Grove including drama, band, track, wrestling and was senior class president. His wrestling experience would later help him win a participation trophy at the “Old Timers” tournament at son Brendan’s high school wrestling meet in 2004.

He attended University of Illinois where he considered pre med study. (His parents will be so proud to know he will finally find himself in anatomy lab as he donated his body in death).  After graduation he went into the family business of Hear Muffs and would later find success in sales of the first car phones, cellular phones and helped refine home theaters. His sales career introduced him to many interesting people and places. He became a Registered Nurse in 2006 and found his niche in rehab and hospice nursing.

Brian loved an adventure; his travels included Uganda, Europe, and Australia but perhaps his favorite destination was the Huzzah Creek for floating, camping and quality bonding time (QBT) with the family. He also served many terms as Chief Boiling Water for both Indian Princesses and Indian Guides and made sure his tribes ate well during the campouts. Some of the best meals spent together were around a campfire and he was always ready for any opportunity to put on a pig roast!

In the last four years, Brian endured many health issues including a cardiac arrest and anoxic brain injury in 2018 and was involved in The Bison Project, where he found community with others with brain injuries. He was an eternal optimist and always looking to make the “big comeback” and speak on his experiences of surviving 2 cardiac arrests. Despite his challenges, music continued to be a lifelong comfort and he enjoyed singing in choir at his multiple church homes over the years as well as playing around on his keyboard or piano for brain exercises.

He was preceded in death by his parents and best canine companion Boomer. He is survived by brothers Gordon Hanson and Stephen Hanson. He said his greatest joy was being a dad to children Julia (Dan) Craig, Geoffrey Hanson and Brendan Hanson. He “found hope in the future” with grandchildren Henry Craig, James Craig and Madelyn Hanson. He was Uncle Brian to many who surely all have a story to tell of his shenanigans. The family is forever grateful to Rosie Reiter for her invaluable support and surrounding Brian in love in his last months.

In lieu of a traditional memorial service, Brian has requested to “have a big party” which will take place on August 1st, 2022 at

299 Edgewater Drive

Bloomingdale, IL 60108

Open House Reception from 5pm to 8:30pm with Remembrance Ceremony at 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests spending some QBT in the great outdoors with your loved ones in his memory.

His heart of this world may have failed but his spirit was stubbornly strong:

When peace, like a river attendeth my way

When sorrow like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

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