Edwin “Bud” Hanson

Edwin “Bud” Hanson

Waterloo

Edwin “Bud” Hanson, 83, of Waterloo, IA, peacefully passed away Monday, September 9, 2024, after a prolonged illness at NewAldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls, IA.

He was born January 5, 1941, in Independence, IA, the son of LeRoy Edward Hanson and Anna Mae (Luloff) Hanson.

Bud attended school in Jesup, IA, and began working for John Deere, before serving his country during the Vietnam War. Bud was a proud veteran serving in the United States Navy from 1961 – 1965. Two of those years aboard the USS Princeton. He married the love of his life, Diann Holsher, on December 23, 1961. After being stationed in Concord, CA, they made their home in Waterloo where Bud worked for John Deere for 40 years.

Bud enjoyed tinkering on anything mechanical, putzing in his garage, a cold PBR, watching Westerns, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved the many years of family time at their Lake Delhi cabin. He loved to tease – his dry sarcastic wit always made you smile…or roll your eyes.

Bud and Diann shared their lives together for 63 years, raising two daughters, Cindy Gerken of Marion, IA and JoAnn Kruger of Grundy Center, IA. He loved his sons-in-law, Paul Gerken and Dean Kruger as his own sons.

Bud was very proud of his grandchildren, Mike (Alex) Gerken, Jill Gerken (Mike Stout), Joseph Kruger and Jasani (Taylor) Whitehead. “POP’s” legacy will live on in his 7 great-grandchildren, Bowen, Haisley, Grayson, Briggs, Aspen, Camden and Aaliyah.

He was preceded in death by his father, LeRoy Hanson, who was lost in the Korean War; his mother and stepfather, Anna Mae and Don Schmitz of Jesup; one sister, Shirley Hampton; one brother, Jim Hanson; two brothers-in-law, Steve Aykroyd and Jim Cory; two nephews, Doug Cory and Steve Hanson; also his beloved companion, Skip.

He is also survived by his brothers, Gene Hanson of Evansdale, IA; Steve (Barb) Schmitz of Ankeny, IA; sister-in-law, Julie Hanson of Clear Lake, IA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Roseanne Cory, Carla Aykroyd, both of Cedar Falls, Bill (Jean) Holscher of Ankeny, and Barb (Louie) Hagarty of Waterloo.

Bud and Diann were blessed to have great neighbors, Bruce & Kim Newton and their children, Jarek, Jordan, and Jasmin. Thank you for all you’ve done for Mom and Dad. Dad loved you as family!

One of Bud’s last decisions included picking his own pallbearers – Bruce Newton, Kenny Kray, Donnie Curry, Ronnie Curry, Tim Casey, Jimmy Kuker, Merle Kaesser and Greg Hanson. Your friendships and connections with Dad meant the world to him.

A Hawkeye Tailgate Celebration of Life will be from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Casey’s 218 Pub in Waterloo, IA, where at 2:00 p.m., military honors will be accorded by Becker – Chapman American Legion Post #138, assisted by the United State Navy.

The family would like to thank UnityPoint Hospice, the staffs at NewAldaya, Pinnacle Specialty Care, and Cedar Stone Senior Living for their great support and care.

Memorials will be directed to the Becker-Chapman American Legion Post #138 and the UAW Local #838, both in Waterloo.

White Funeral Home of Jesup, IA, is assisting the family with arrangements.