Jerry Henry Hanson

Jerry Henry Hanson, 80, of Malta, Montana passed away at his home Wednesday, August 17, 2016.

A Funeral Mass was held Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Malta with Father Cory Sticha officiating. Burial followed at Malta City Cemetery. Family received friends at Kirkwood Funeral Home, Friday, August 19, 2016 at 6 p.m. and the Rosary was prayed at 7 p.m. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Jerry was born March 16, 1936 in Malta to Lillian (Fortin) and Henry "Shorty" Hanson. He was raised and received his education in Malta. He graduated from Malta High School in 1954.

He joined the National Guard Tank Company on March 19, 1953. In 1955 he went to work for the Montana National Guard full time serving as an Administrative Supply Technician.

On August 31, 1957 Jerry married Alice Henry and the couple was blessed with four children; Cheryl, Jerry, Kim and Mark.

Jerry had a great career with the Guards over the years and received numerous awards for his high performance. Jerry retired as Command Sergeant Major on May 19, 1986. He went on to work at True Value and the Phillips County Court House. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and most of all golf. He loved spending time doing his favorite things with his kids and grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Betty Lou Hanson, Jo Ann Jacobsen, and Phyllis Simpson; brother, Billy Hanson and grandson, David Pankratz.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Alice; his children, Cheryl (Steve) Pankratz, Jerry A. (Tammy Bolechala) Hanson, Kim (Bill) Granlund, and Mark Hanson; eight grandchildren, David Pankratz, Stephanie (Robert) Knox, Wesley (Ashley) Pankratz, Stacie Pankratz, Michael Hanson, Collen (Chris) Brown, Kaycee Granlund, and Kristi Granlund; eleven great-grandchildren, Austyn Pankratz, Tanner Pankratz, Lindsey Pankratz, Ryder Knox, Gunner Knox, Burke Pankratz, Danaley Smith Pankratz, Mason Daniel, Trinity Brown, Jeri Brown and Evan Brown; one great-great-grandson, Gage Pankratz; sisters, Barbara (Robert) Darrah, Rosie Russell, Connie (Tom) Hasler, Patsy Gilman, and Greta (Norman) Barnard; brothers, Eugene (Linda) Hanson and David (Margaret) Hanson; and numerous nieces and nephews and life long friends.