Donald Lee Hanson, age 89 of Fremont, passed away on May 18th, 2024 at Green Acres of Fremont. Don was born on the Ides of March, March 30th, 1935 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Rudolph Olaf Hanson and Theresa Crystal (Carter) Hanson. The family moved to Fremont in the late 30's. He married Lillian "Linda" Brooks, of Boyne City, Michigan on June 30th, 1956 in Cadillac, Michigan and they lived in Fremont for many years. Linda preceded him in death on June 14th 2017.

Don was a graduate of Davenport College and started working in the mail room at Gerber Products in the 1950's. His career read like a Horatio Alger story as he became Assistant Comptroller of Gerber in Rochester, New York, then Vice President of Gerber Life, helping to create that company in White Plains, New York and later was promoted as head of the International Division for Gerber in Fremont until he retired at the age of 54. Don was a lifetime member of the Muskegon Yacht Club, an avid sailor, having raced the Chicago to Mackinac Race numerous times along with other great sailing adventures from the Great Lakes to Long Island Sound, and from the Chesapeake Bay to the Caribbean. He loved the traveling that sea life brought him almost as much as he loved to play golf. People always said Don was awesome to talk with, loved listening to his sailing stories and said he was a special person.

He spent the last 6 years of his life between Petoskey, Michigan and Lakeland, Florida with his partner, Grace Williams.  He was survived by 2 sons, Eric D. Hanson of Fremont, Richard C. Hanson of Lewes, Delaware,  and 1 daughter, Sheree L. (Hanson) Lincoln of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, 5 grandchildren, Amber Hanson Pickard of Brenham, Texas, Kyle Hanson of Chicago, Illinois, Elisha Hanson of Muskegon, Ethan Hanson of Fremont and Palmer Walters of Fremont with 1 great granddaughter, Evelyn Walters of Fremont.

The family will be planning private celebration of life honoring Don's wish that there be no funeral.  In lieu of flowers, friends may consider memorial contributions in memory of Don to the Muskegon Yacht Club to support the youth sailing program.  Friends may also send a condolence or share a memory with the Hanson Family at www.crandellfh.com.  Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.  231-924-0800