Gary Hanson, age 86, a resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, until recently a long-time resident of Wheaton, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.  He was born on July 15, 1938 in Sidney, Montana, to Gerhardt and Olga Hanson.

At the age of four, he and his parents moved to Chicago where he spent his growing-up years, often in the company of many close-knit cousins.  He was a graduate of Lane Tech High School, Dana College, and the University of Chicago.  He also served in the US Navy for two years.

Gary will be remembered as a man who had a heart for others.  His professional life was spent in the field of mental health as a clinical social worker and administrator, spending over thirty years with the DuPage County Health Department.  He volunteered time to a number of organizations including Habitat for Humanity and served on the boards of Repeat Boutique, Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center, and Covenant Children's Home & Family Services.  As a consistent donor for many years, records show that he donated over three gallons of blood.

He was an active member of Glen Ellyn Covenant Church for fifty years, serving on many boards and committees, often focusing on youth and refugee ministries.  He deeply appreciated and regularly participated in the men's Bible studies and prayer groups.

Gary had a wide variety of interests, enjoying reading, music, opera, Shakespeare plays, biking, watching Chicago professional sports teams, and traveling both in the US and to many countries around the world.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois, his dearly loved children, Andrea (the late David) Adams and Erik (Windy) Hanson, and grandchildren Sydney (Jackson) Ankeney and Nicholas Adams. Other survivors near and dear are his brothers-in-law Ray (Darlene) Leafgren and John (Sue) Leafgren, his two step-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many cousins with whom he maintained a close bond throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Kurt.

A memorial service will be held at Glen Ellyn Covenant Church, 277 Hawthorne Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, on Saturday February 8, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to any of the following:

Faith and Learning International - Donate online at donations@faithandlearning.org

Repeat Boutique , 191 S. Gary Avenue, Carol Stream, IL 60188

Glen Ellyn Covenant Church , 277 Hawthorne Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137