Robert “Bob” Hanson, age 86 of Balaton, formerly of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2015 at Colonial Manor in Balaton, with his sister by his side. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24, 2015 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Balaton. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Balaton. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Robert “Bob” Gustav Hanson was born March 16, 1929 in Hooker, South Dakota to William and Ila (Swanson) Hanson. He was baptized at Sillerud Lutheran Church by Rev. Clarence Anderson and was also confirmed there. Bob graduated from Balaton High School in 1947. Following graduation, Bob enlisted in the US Navy where he was stationed on the USS Sussex, and served 8 years in Korea. He was awarded three battle stars. Bob devoted 15 years of his life to the US Navy, and was very proud of his military service. Bob earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at Jacksonville University while he was in the Navy. On June 17, 1953, Bob was united in marriage to Suzanna Smith. Bob managed the Goodyear Tire Shop in Jacksonville, Florida for many years. He loved eagles and had a large collection of eagle figurines. Bob loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed reading, swimming, and fishing, but he loved golfing most of all. Approximately five years ago, Bob moved to assisted living in Balaton to be near his sister, Marge, as his health declined, and later became a resident of Colonial Manor where he passed away on October 5, 2015.

Bob is survived by his wife Suzanna Hanson; son Robert Hanson II; and daughter Laura (Freddy) Robertson, all of Jacksonville, FL; granddaughter Katie; great-grandchildren Riley and Aubrey; sister, Marge Schultz of Balaton; sister-in-law Marylan Jacobson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Richard Eric Hanson, grandson Robert Hanson III, brother Donald Hanson, and brother-in-law Marlo Schultz.