Gary Theodore Hanson

September 1, 1944 ~
July 3, 2021

Gary Theodore Hanson, Retired Army Master Sergeant, age 76, of Wyoming, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday July 3, 2021, and is now in heaven free of pain. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 32 years, Mary “Rickey”; children: Denny (Kim) Noel, Kris (Bart) Palazzolo, Sandy (Randy) Hamblin, Ann Chappell; grandchildren: Ryan (Cassie) Chappell, Shelby Poch, Alison Corace, Kennedy Noel, Chase Brown, Cayla Brown, Ryleigh Noel; great grandchildren: Bryor and Brenner Brown; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mary Hanson; grandson, Trey Kennedy Noel; and 5 sisters. Gary enjoyed casinos and boating, but especially loved spending time with his family. He proudly served in the U.S. Army for over 32 years. A memorial service will be held 12 noon on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with Chaplain Mel Flikkema officiating. Burial will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice.

Visitation: Saturday, July 10 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

Visitation
Saturday, July 10
10:00am - 12:00pm

MKD - Kentwood
4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, MI 49508

Phone: (616) 455-1535

Memorial Service: Saturday, July 10 | 12:00pm

Memorial Service
Saturday, July 10
12:00pm

MKD - Kentwood
4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE
Kentwood, MI 49508

Phone: (616) 455-1535

Leave Your Tribute Message

June 27, 2023

Hi dad. It's your kid just stopping in to say how much I love and miss you and mom. Time is not getting any easier for me, if anything, it's much harder. There is not one single day I don't think of you and mom and look forward to the day when we are all together again. My heart is so broken and I feel so lost without you and mom. Sending you and mom hugs and kisses on angels wings. I love you dad! Love, Boo Boo

- Sandy

September 24, 2021

I miss you, daddy. I’m so heartbroken losing you and mom within months of each other. I’m all alone now, but I carry you and mom in my heart where you’ll both stay until we are together again. Sending hugs and kisses on angels wings ♥️💗♥️

- Sandy

July 11, 2021

I was deeply saddened to hear about Gary passing away. I will most definitely miss his laughter and wonderful personality when I am dealing to guests at the Casino. Gary always made my day when he and Mary showed up and would set at my table. Even if they didn't play much sometimes the conversations were always good. Mary I am so sorry for your loss and hope you will still show up and enjoy the excitement and say hi to us. You and your family are in my prayers and Gary will always be remembered by us all who had the pleasure of dealing his favorite games to him.

- Jasmine Keith

July 10, 2021

Uncle Gary, You were the youngest and the last to finally go, what a party that must be with all of you now back together again. you were a great man, a kind man with a gentle soul I can truly say you loved your family, all of your family , your daughter Sandy never had a doubt that she was not loved by you , a fathers love is un breakable in in death in goes on in our hearts. I'm so glad we talked before you passed. I love you, Rest now Master Sargent, Gary Hanson You severed your country well, so proud of you for that. You are our Family Hero..Your Niece Donna...

- Donna Witherell

July 08, 2021

Master Sargent, Gary Hanson, Thank you for your service, may you rest in peace with your band of brothers and sisters.

- Rodger & Pat Drueke

July 05, 2021

As you now set and walk with God, look ahead and hold her hand once more for Aunty Irene and you are together as you had been. Peaceful trip home Unc. Randy and us have Sandy if she needs us.

- Tim Witherell

July 05, 2021

As you now set and walk with God, look ahead and hold her hand once more for Aunty Irene and you are together as you had been. Peaceful trip home Unc. Randy and us have Sandy if she needs us.

- Tim Witherell

July 05, 2021

Sandy & Randy- We are so very sorry for the loss of your dad. This has been an unbelievably difficult 7 months for you. Your dad was an amazing man and father. So many memories to chose from, knowing him since I was five. You were the light of his life, the spark in his eye and the love of his heart. He is no longer in pain and no more suffering! He is dancing in Heaven, watching over you with your mom.. smiling down and telling her how very proud he is of his daughter, their little girl. Rest easy Sir... you did a phenomenal job here on earth. You will be missed but never forgotten. Our condolences to you Sandy and Randy. We love you both very much The Dougherty Family

- Shawn & Mike Dougherty

July 05, 2021

Ricky and family. We are so sorry to learn of Gary's passing. We always enjoyed running into you at GLC and just saw you a couple weeks ago. We enjoyed getting to know Gary, meeting him at American Legion Post 154. We are out of town and regret that we are unable to attend his memorial service. Our sympathy to the entire family. Vic and Kathy Conway

- Vic and Kathy Conway

July 04, 2021

My daddy, it has now been over 24 hours since I held your hand and kissed you. You are the best dad, you worked so very hard to give me a privileged life and very rarely, if ever, did you tell me no. I’m so proud of you, dad...you will always be my biggest hero and I love you forever and always. Love, Boo Boo

- Sandy