GORDON HANSON

Gordon Wayne Hanson, 74, of Lancaster, California, passed away on August 30 th , in Lancaster, CA. 

Son of Dorothy Jeanette Shekleton (Hove) and Harris Gordon Hanson, he was born July 9, 1950, in Waukon Iowa. He grew up with his older brother Duane and his parents on a small farm on the western edge of Allamakee County, IA, near the Upper Iowa River. Gordon graduated Waukon High School in 1968 and attended the University of Northern Iowa. In 1972 he joined his brother in Palmdale, CA, where he began a 42+ year career in the aerospace industry. Gordon retired from the Lockheed-Martin Aeronautics Company in 2015. 

Gordon was a man of deep faith. From a very young age, Gordon prioritized participation in the Christian and Lutheran community, first as a child and young man at Big Canoe Lutheran Church in Decorah, IA, and later at St. Stephen’s of the Valley Lutheran Church in Palmdale, CA. A loyal servant of the Lord, Gordon was dedicated for decades in the church choir, church council and leading the church property committee. Though his time on earth has passed, his eternal life with the Lord in Heaven has begun. 

Gordon is preceded in Heaven by his father and mother and his father and mother-in- law Rudy and Linnea Salestrom. Gordon is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 39 years, Donna Mae Hanson of Lancaster, CA; his son Bradley Wayne Hanson of Annandale, VA and wife Raegan; his daughter Kristi Lynn Waszak of Papillion, NE and husband Matthew; four grandchildren: Rylee Grace Hanson, Kailey Joy Waszak, Maia Ellory Waszak and Brady Wayne Hanson; brother Duane of Norfolk, VA and his wife Millie; nephew Scott Hanson of Burnsville, MN; niece Amy Hanson of Virginia Beach, VA, as well as many cousins, two grandnieces and a grandnephew. 

Gordon was a deeply treasured husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. He had a profound impact on those within his large circle. He never hesitated to go out of his way for others and help those in need. His passing was unexpected but quick. Gordon will be sorely and deeply missed by those who he loved and by those who loved him. There is no doubt he is driving an immaculately restored Chevy Impala and hitting every green light on the golden streets in Heaven.

 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” -Psalm 73:26

 A celebration service of Gordon’s life will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, October 26th at Stephen’s of the Valley Lutheran Church in Palmdale, CA. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Gordon’s memory to the American Heart Association.