Jeffrey Dean Hanson, 46, of Ashkum, IL, died September 8, 2022 after a courageous 7-month cancer battle.
Born in Kankakee on March 31, 1976 to Ashkum residents, Philip and Nancy (Voigt) Hanson, and they preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lisa (Meister) Hanson and their beautiful daughters, Sydney and Brenna. Also surviving are sisters, Jennifer (Matt) Lindgren and Jill (Matt) Boyce.
Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles will miss his laughter and the fun. The nieces and nephews found Uncle Jeff hilarious; always the life of the party. His antics will be told and retold for generations.
On March 28, 1998, he married the love of his life and best friend. When Jeff married Lisa, Duane and Karen Meister embraced him as a true son, warmly welcoming him into the Meister clan. He gained four brothers Todd (Casey), Ryan (Melinda), Troy (Amanda), Jeff (Kenzie) and three sisters, Jill (Warren) Kaeb, Jodi (Andrew) Halleran and Jana Meister. He fit perfectly.
The newlyweds briefly lived in Kempton, but Ashkum was home. He loved the people and the community. They chose to raise Sydney and Brenna, with family who were friends; with friends and neighbors who were family. He wanted the best for his girls.
A 1994 graduate of Central High School, Jeff never stopped supporting the Comets. He proudly attended his girls' school activities. He was their biggest fan.
He was the Ashkum Village Maintenance Supervisor. He faithfully and happily took care of his town. As an active member in the volunteer Ashkum Township Fire Department, Captain Hanson wore Helmet #1105, remaining active until his last days with his Firehouse family.
An amazing woodworker, Jeff paid attention to the tiniest details. He was a perfectionist. He had an open heart for everyone he met. He never knew a stranger. Forgiving. Kind. Hilarious. Loyal. He had a pack of high school friends, who were faithful friends to the end.
A die-hard, lifelong Cubs fan, November 2, 2016 was one of the greatest days of his life (alongside his marriage and the birth of his girls). He was a long-time season ticket holder. Jeff crafted and donated a wooden “bat flag” to the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation to benefit children with cancer. Mr. Rizzo was so impressed he had the entire Cubs team sign the “bat flag”. His precious Cubs, for that moment, were fans of Jeff Hanson.
Visitation: Monday, 9/12 at 3-8pm at Knapp Funeral Home, Clifton, IL. The memorial service is at 10am, Tuesday 9/13, at the Ashkum School Gym (Trinity Church) 203 N Third Street, Ashkum, IL 60911, with a brief 9am visitation before the service. Burial at the Ashkum Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to: The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation or the Ashkum Township Fire Department.
