Jonathan Hanson, 75

Jonathan A. Hanson died at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula on July 2, 2025, several days after being injured in a fall at the family cabin on Flathead Lake.

He is survived by Mickey Hanson, his wife of 54 years, daughters Ronee Francis of Nashville, Anne Hanson (Brad Stevens) of Missoula, and son, Andrew Hanson (Debbie Hanson) of Superior, as well as his sister Margaret Cope, of Tacoma WA. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Emily, Ciaran, Lydia, Sam, George, Declan, Finley, and Henry. Also surviving are his niece and nephew Libby Hanson-Cooper (Anne), Neah Bay, WA and Alex Cope (Jessica) of Tacoma, WA, including 7 great nieces and nephews.

Jon was predeceased by his parents, George and Elsie Hanson, and his older brother William (Bill) Hanson.

Jon was born in Missoula in 1949 and attended Superior Elementary School and High School graduating in 1967. He then attended the University of Montana majoring in Secondary Science Education and graduated in 1971. He taught 7th and 8th grade Science at C.S. Porter Middle School in Missoula for two years before returning to Superior in 1973 to take over a garage, tire, wrecker, and fuel business - Hanson's Garage.

He was active in the Superior Community serving leadership positions in the Superior Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Mineral County Hospital Board of Trustees as well as multiple other organizations.

In 1990, health concerns prompted Jon and Mickey to sell the family business and return to education. Jon taught in Idaho and Bigfork, MT while also pursuing a master’s in science education from Montana State University. After 11 years teaching in Bigfork, Jon and Mickey moved to Spokane, WA. Jon joined the Educational Service District 101 as a Science Specialist providing professional development for science teachers on a range of topics and methods in teaching Science for the schools in Eastern Washington. While in Spokane, Jon also worked as an adjunct instructor at Whitworth College. Jon retired in 2013 and he and Mickey moved to Missoula in 2020.

As a young man, and throughout his life, Jon faced significant health problems but always managed to overcome them. Those closest to him were regularly inspired by his optimistic and uncomplaining response to every obstacle he faced.

Jon had an understated wit and intellect that made him both interesting and easy to be around. His dry sense of humor was legendary, and he never seemed to mind when the joke was on him. His knowledge of technical topics from scientific theories and principles to electrical, plumbing and mechanical issues was vast and he was always in search of the "exact right tool" or solution to any problem. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, he would often spend days and weeks puzzling over an issue before arriving at an answer.

From childhood on Jon loved the outdoors of Mineral County and in particular enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and subsequently with his children. There was hardly a body of water, trail, or back country road in Mineral County with which he was not intimately familiar.

Jon Hanson was the rare person who was liked and trusted. He was a humble person of strong religious and ethical principles who lived his values and helped others. He was a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was deeply loved!

A memorial service for Jon scheduled for August 23, 2025 in Superior at 12:00 p.m. ay Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.

Jon's family suggests that in lieu of flowers or other remembrances, a donation in his name to Mineral County Pool in the Park would be appreciated. Jon enjoyed swimming and took lessons in the previous two pools in Superior. He strongly believed that every child and adult in Mineral County should have that same opportunity and supported the effort to build a public pool in Superior.

The website is poolinthepark54.org and email is poolinthepark54@gmail.com.