Jerome Gareth Hanson

Jerome G. Hanson of Polson, Montana, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, at Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on December 12, 1937, to Edwin and Blanche (Hendrickson) Hanson in Alexandria, Minnesota. His family later moved to Williston, North Dakota in Jerome’s early grade school years. He graduated from Williston High School with the Class of 1956.

On March 24, 1965, he married Margaret Zimmerman in Plymouth, Nebraska, and to this union brought five children.

He played hockey in high school, and after graduation he planned to pursue hockey at a higher level. However, while his parents were on vacation and to his mother’s surprise, Jerome and his buddies had a great idea, and they enlisted in the United States Navy.

He served his country proudly from September 1956 to 1966. He was stationed at Bermuda, Key West, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Millington, TN, Corpus Christi, TX, and Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following an honorable discharge, Jerome and Marge moved to Polson, Montana. Jerome learned the trade of being an electrician in the Navy and was a Master Electrician. He worked several electrical jobs for many companies. He later owned and operated Hanson Electric, in Polson, for over 30 years.

Upon retiring, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Jami. Vowing to never take his daughters hunting again, after they reportedly “got lost” and preceded to holler for their dad in the woods. He enjoyed watching baseball and later learned to love softball. He truly enjoyed watching his kids, grandkids and great grandkids participate in all their sporting events. He served as a coach for the Mission Valley Mariners and later maintained the ballfields for many years.

Jerome is preceded in death by his wife Marge in 2021, his parents, daughter Angie Coxen, granddaughter Cheyanne Coxen, his in-laws, Walter and Delma Zimmerman, brother-in-law Richard Zimmerman, and son in-law Norman Shaw.

Jerome is survived by his children, Jolene (Jay) Morine of Kalispell, Montana, Wendy (James) Popelka of Belleville, Kansas, Dawn (Janos) Balog of Palm Springs, California, Jami (Staci) Hanson of Polson, Montana; son-in-law Doug Coxen of Polson, Montana; brother Rod (Sharon) Hanson of Polson, Montana; grandchildren Matt (Holly) Popelka of Levelland, Texas, Deanna (Robert) Morris of Belleville, Kansas, Gareth Shaw of Missoula, Montana, Alysia (Tommy) Enseleit of Billings, Montana, Sarah (Alan) Hartung of Lincoln, Nebraska, William (Haley) Popelka of Belleville, Kansas, Candace Coxen of Polson, Montana, and Mckenna Hanson of Polson, Montana; 17 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11 AM, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson, Montana, with interment immediately following at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be sent in his memory to Polson School District-Polson Lady Pirates Softball, 111 4th Avenue East Polson, MT 59860, in lieu of flowers.