Robert E. "Gene" Hanson

Robert E. "Gene" Hanson, 84, of rural Monmouth, passed away at 8:45 a.m. on January 16, 2009 at OSF St. Mary's Medical Center in Galesburg. He was born in Chicago, IL on July 16, 1924 the son of Marian Hanson Wagner. He married Carol L .Still on March 24, 1946 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg. He was a farmer for many years in the Cameron and Berwick areas. He fed cattle and enjoyed farming all this life and was in partnership with Ralph Armstrong for many years just outside of Cameron. He raised corn and soybeans and took special interest in raising beef cattle. At a younger age he actively raised and showed purebred Angus cattle at many livestock expositions in the Midwest. Gene enjoyed fishing. His farm, family, and his grandchildren were his hobbies. He was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Monmouth, a former member of the First Lutheran Church council, Warren County Farm Bureau board, Warren County Extension Council, United Way of Warren county, and Warren County board. His wife of nearly 63 years survives along with children David (Cindy) Hanson of Roscoe, Illinois, Ted (Sue) Hanson of Monmouth, Debbie Hall of East Moline, Illinois, and Janet Carlson (Dave) of Rochester, MN. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Brothers Jerry (Doris) Hanson of Wataga, Illinois, and Dale (Phyllis) Hanson of Galesburg, Illinois, also survive. He was preceded in death by his mother, sister, Ruth Esther Johnson and her husband Kermit and older brother Teddy. Services:A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at First Lutheran Church in Monmouth. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. Cremation rites will be accorded as he wished with burial in the Monmouth cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church or the Make a Wish Foundation in his name.