George Everett Hanson

George Everett Hanson, 71, of Andover, KS, died Saturday, September 25, 2021. George was the son of Gloria Hanson Freilinger and Ernest Hanson. He was the oldest of four children. He and his sisters, Lorain and Linda, and brother, Howard, grew up in Wisconsin. George, a mechanical engineer and avionics specialist, had many accomplishments including a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa, and a Master’s degree in Material Science. He was a contract engineer for the National Institute of Aviation Research (NIAR) at the time of his death. He has also worked for Norand Corporation, Pratt + Whitney, Learjet, Bombardier, Hawker Beechcraft, and LSI Logic. George had many hobbies and skills including woodworking, cycling, and target shooting. He was the President of the Sunflower Woodworkers Guild, a Match Director of the Air Capital Gun Club, and was training for the 2021 Walnut Valley Metric bike ride held on September 26. In his extra time, George enjoyed skiing, fishing, gardening, and intellectual pursuits. George married his wife, Deanna, on August 10, 1974. They have three children, David, Amanda, and Emily. They have five grandchildren: David and Jessica’s daughters, Hannah, Sasha, April, and Eliza; and Emily and Cody’s daughter, Lily, whom he described the day before his death as “pure joy.” George and Deanna enjoyed walking on the Redbud Trail together and volunteering at the Lord’s Diner. People who knew George will tell you that George was 71 going on 21. George was creative, intelligent, and witty in all things. He will be missed by many. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday, October 1, 2021, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 2, 2021, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Masks are optional. Preceded in death by his father, Ernest George Hanson. Survived by his wife, Deanna Hanson of Andover; mother, Gloria Mae Hanson Freilinger of Viroqua, WI; son, David (Jessica) Hanson of Central Point, OR; daughters, Amanda Hanson, Emily (Cody) Zimmerman, both of Wichita; sisters, Lorain Hanson of Viroqua, WI, Linda Hanson of Wichita; brother, Howard (Karen) Hanson of Cresco, IA; grandchildren, Hannah Hanson, Sasha Hanson, April Hanson, Eliza Hanson, Lily Zimmerman. A memorial has been established with: The Lord's Diner, 520 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214.