Carl Dean Hanson

     On Saturday, September 23, 2023, Carl Dean Hanson, 92, passed away peacefully at Heritage Assisted Living in Battle Creek, Michigan.  Carl was born June 10, 1931, in Grayling, Michigan, as the third child of Carl M. and Francelia “Tete” Hanson.  He graduated from Grayling High School in 1949 and relocated to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he met the love of his life, Betty Fulkerson, while working at the local A&P store.  They married on August 5, 1951, and spent the next 59 years together doting on their family of five children, 16 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.

     Carl received an apprenticeship from the Grand Truck Railroad in 1952 and became an electrician.  He was then hired by the Kellogg Company in 1960 where his contagious smile earned him the nickname “Smiley” by his colleagues.  During his 30-year career for Kellogg, Carl went on to become an electrical foreman and then manager of the mechanical division before his retirement. Carl was also a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club.

     Time spent with family was a priority for Carl. He was actively involved in Boy Scouts with his two sons and years later with his grandsons. He was an avid reader and enjoyed music by the Battle Creek Brass Band and Battle Creek Symphony. Other interests included travel with Betty to Alaska and Hawaii, fishing trips with his sons, family camping, teeing off at the golf course, euchre, and hosting more family holiday and birthday dinners than anyone could count. He and Betty were volunteers at the VA Medical Center and served as board members for the Silver Dance Club.

     Carl was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Battle Creek. His faith blossomed monumentally after retirement and he openly shared his love for God with others. As a devoted Christian, he offered kindness and encouragement at every turn.  He was loved by many and will be truly missed.

    He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hanson; parents Carl and “Tete” Hanson; brothers Alfred Hanson and David “Skip” Hanson; sister Jeanne Thompson; son-in-law Norm Taylor; grandson Brandon Beard; and great-grandson Cameron Hanson. 

     He is survived by his children: Steve (Patty) Hanson, Crystal (Perry) Beard, Valentina (Mark) Fleet, Dana (Shannon) Hanson and Melissa (Terry Fulling) Taylor and grandchildren: Brock (Holly) Hanson, Brett (Charisse) Hanson, Beau Hanson, Cortney (Sarah) Beard, Kristen (Rebecca) Beard, Chelsie (Neil) Maurer, Benjamin Fleet, Stacy (Michael) Eastway, Alexander (Ashley) Fleet, Erin (Alexander) Colwell, Cale and Jordan Hanson, Jennifer (William) Polokovich, Christopher Taylor, Levi (Tiffany) Bates.  

     Friends will be received for a visitation from Noon-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral, Cremation & Preneed Care, at 105 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017. A memorial service to celebrate Carl’s blessed life will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the same location with Dr. Josh Howard officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

     The family wishes to thank Heritage Assisted Living and Elara Caring for the compassionate support provided to Carl in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Carl Hanson to Calvary Baptist Church at 1625 Capital Avenue NE, Battle Creek MI 49017, or Charitable Union at 85 Calhoun Street, Battle Creek, MI 49017.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Carl's family has created a beautiful slideshow of memories and it may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/869670339.